English
Controversial Bulgarian nationalist politician Krasimir Karakachanov said that Macedonia should not be allowed to become a member of the European Union until it begins to honor its agreements with Bulgaria and the EU and guarantees the rights of people with a Bulgarian identity.
“This country should remain on the sidelines—no Europe for them. Not until the Second Coming—or just before it—unless they become normal people and first start respecting the rights of their own citizens who identify as Bulgarian,” Karakachanov stated categorically. He believes there is no point in Bulgaria holding another round of talks with Skopje; instead, it should raise the issue with its European partners.
According to him, the leadership in Macedonia is “pro-Serbian” and “anti-Bulgarian,” making it impossible to conduct a sincere dialogue with them. Karakachanov pointed out that the shift in Bulgaria’s stance after 2021 is precisely what gave Skopje the opportunity to adopt such an attitude.
“Skopje simply sees that, since 2021, Bulgaria has lowered its guard and is willing to make compromises. And that is disastrous,” he said.
The former minister also recalled the period between 2017 and 2021, when, in his view, Bulgaria had set much stricter conditions for Macedonia. “When they see that the ’60 slaps’ trick won’t work, they become meek, calm, and cautious, just as they were until 2021. I told them: ‘Folks, this isn’t going to work,'” said Karakachanov.