Protesters in Bulgaria threw red paint at the building of the representation of the European Commission in Sofia during a “March for Peace and Neutrality” on Sunday.
The march was attended by supporters of the Vazrazhdane-party or Revival-party, a pro-Russian nationalist party, and the Bulgarian Socialist Party, which is represented in the European Parliament.
Protesters said they want to stay neutral in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and are annoyed by the “European Union’s interference in domestic affairs”.
Similar peace marches were held in another 39 cities and communities across Bulgaria. Some marchers carried Bulgarian and Russian flags.
In Sofia, the protesters went to the EC building, named the House of Europe, and threw red paint that they said symbolised the blood of the victims of war. They say EU’s military support to Ukraine only prolongs and worsens the war.
The splattered building is also used by the European Parliament.
‼️НАПОМНЯНЕ
Днес от 14 ч. пред НДК в София ще има голяма антивоенна демонстрация. След това ще отидем пред сградата на Европейската комисия, за да протестираме срещу намесата на Брюксел във вътрешните ни работи.Призоваваме всеки, който има възможност, да дойде заедно с нас! pic.twitter.com/zswN64O4kq
— Възраждане (@vazrazhdane) May 21, 2023
Boyko Borisov, the leading political figure in Bulgaria, condemned the vandalism of the protesters. He called it “extremely alarming”. He also pointed toward Russia, which he accused of executing “hybrid attempts to infiltrate our society.”
“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental value in every democratic society, but any act of violence or vandalism against buildings of European institutions is unacceptable,” said the European Commission.
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said that it categorically condemned the attack. The acts contradicted “the democratic values that our country embodies,” the ministry said.
Bulgaria has been shaken by a political crisis. Boyko Borisov appointed former EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel to try to create a government.
The building housing the European Parliament Liaison Office in Sofia was targeted by vandals unhappy with our stance in support of Ukraine.
We will clean it up. Our backing of Ukraine will get stronger. Our voice condemning Russia's invasion will only get louder. #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/IHB38RCkXs
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) May 21, 2023
