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

Iliana Iotova: Freedom cannot be given, it comes from the soul It is nested in the soul, craved in the soul

Iliana Iotova (black coat, center).
Photo: © Presidency press office

A bell ringing marked the beginning of the celebration of the 145th anniversary of the liberation of Sofia from Ottoman rule. Then a memorial service of thanksgiving was held in the St. Nedelya church

National Guard units stood guard of honour at the Monument to the Bulgarian Volunteers. Vice President Iliana Iotova also took part in the commemoration. 

"Freedom can neither be bought nor given away. One either carries it in one's soul and mind or remains a slave forever. The Bulgarian volunteers, those young men with lion hearts who did not spare themselves to fight for a free and independent Bulgaria, did not not care who would try to give them orders and what they would be promised. Those hot heads made Bulgarian freedom possible. Today more than ever we need their inspiring example," Iotova told the many people who had gathered in front of the monument.



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

Rain expected in Southern and Eastern Bulgaria, daytime temperatures will go down on Saturday

On Saturday, minimum temperatures in Bulgaria will be from 8 to 13°C, in  Sofia - around 9°C . During the day it will be cloudy with temporary breaks in the clouds over the western regions. In the southern and eastern parts of the country it..

published on 5/9/25 7:35 PM

Librarians take to the streets to protest low pay

Librarians, backed by trade unions, have staged a protest in front of Sofia Library, demanding higher salaries. According to a recent decision by the Council of Ministers, those working in the field of information and bibliographic services will..

published on 5/9/25 6:11 PM

Bulgaria commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism

The date May 9 marks 80 years since the end of World War II and the victory over Nazism . The memorial day was marked by laying wreaths and flowers at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier with the participation of the Speaker of the Parliament Natalia..

published on 5/9/25 4:18 PM