Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian politicians strongly condemn act of vandalism in Bitola

Photo: Ivan Mihaylov Culture Center in Bitola

The arson in Bitola has provoked a sharp reaction from "There is Such a People", who described the incident as "a deliberate act of vandalism that distances North Macedonia from the EU". Atanas Mihnev, deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in parliament and MP of “We Continue the Change", called on the competent authorities to identify the perpetrators as soon as possible and expressed hope that this would not affect bilateral relations with North Macedonia. According to BSP MP Ivan Chenchev, such acts were intended to create hate between the two countries - something no one needs. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva of GERB defined the arson as a criminal act of vandalism, which is not an isolated case but a clear example that hatred and discrimination were part of state policy in the Republic of North Macedonia. The co-chairman of "Democratic Bulgaria" Hristo Ivanov pointed out that this was a provocation and a test for the official institutions in North Macedonia and the political class. Vazrazhdane and VMRO also condemned the act of vandalism.

Earlier today, Vice President Iliana Yotova also called on the institutions in North Macedonia to do their job, while the first diplomat Teodora Genchovska left for Bitola to talk on the spot with representatives of the association, after which she will continue her working visit at the invitation of her counterpart Bujar Osmani.

The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski condemned the arson attack against the building of the cultural center of the Bulgarian community in Bitola and called on the competent institutions to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.

The prosecutor's office in Bitola has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Confiscation of cars driven by drunk drivers does not contradict the Constitution, rules Constitutional Court

The confiscation of cars driven by drunk and drugged drivers does not contradict the Bulgarian Constitution. This was decided by the Constitutional Court.  The cars of those who drove after using alcohol and drugs, if they are their property,..

published on 7/17/25 3:30 PM

INSAIT institute makes new contribution to the development of AI

The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" presented five scientific papers at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2025) , the university's press..

published on 7/17/25 2:21 PM
The Chairman of the State Agency for Refugees, Ivan Ivanov

The State Agency for Refugees launches a pilot project aimed at protecting unaccompanied children

The State Agency for Refugees with the Council of Ministers will implement a pilot project for Bulgaria and the European Union aimed at creating alternative social services for unaccompanied refugee children , announced the agency’s head Ivan Ivanov,..

published on 7/17/25 1:44 PM