Bulgarian protesters throw red paint at EU liaison office in capital
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Demonstrators in Bulgaria protest against the European Union for meddling in its internal affairs.
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Bulgarian protesters demonstrate in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 21, 2023 (BTA)
To protest the EU's interference in the internal affairs of the eastern European country, Bulgarian demonstrators smeared Sunday red paint over the door to the EU liaison office in Sofia.
The right-wing Vazrazhdane (Revival) party, which organized the event, tweeted a video of a sizable crowd hurling paint-filled balloons at the EU mission's exterior.
The event's organizer, the right-wing Vazrazhdane (Revival) party, posted a video of a sizeable crowd throwing paint-filled balloons at the façade of the EU mission.
According to the Bulgarian news agency BTA, there was enhanced police presence and traffic disruption in a central Sofia street for a half-hour.
"March for Peace" was held in a number of cities in our country with the request that Bulgaria maintain neutrality in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In Sofia, people gathered in front of the National Palace of Culture. The participants walked along Vitosha Boulevard, past the Presidency and the National Assembly.
This comes after thousands of Bulgarians demonstrated in Sofia on Monday against the involvement of Bulgaria in the US-led NATO military alliance, calling on their government to adopt a neutral stance on Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
The demonstrators expressed their opinions through the raising of banners and chanting of slogans. The protests also entailed a series of addresses from speakers who voiced concerns about the dangers associated with Bulgaria's participation in NATO.
Protesters chanted “We want peace!” and “NATO, out!” and expressed their desire to hold a referendum, which they believed would lead to Bulgaria leaving the NATO alliance.
According to BNN, a large number of Bulgarians have been concerned that their country's close relations with the US and other NATO members would make it a target in the event of a full-blown confrontation between NATO and Russia.
Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and has since maintained pro-NATO positions, however, the latest escalation in Eastern Europe has led Bulgarians to reconsider.
Former air force commander and current President Rumen Radev has criticized NATO's interventions in Ukraine and advocated for a more impartial stance toward Russia.
