The website of Sofia-based “Trud” published Tuesday a shocking article entitled “The fifth war for Macedonia is underway – not a step back”! The author of the article is a certain Simeon Kostadinov.

In a longer analysis, the author reflects the current state of relations between Bulgaria and Macedonia and, among other things, distinguishes between liberal and national-chauvinist views in Bulgarian society on solving the problems, although his conclusion is that it is in the national interest of official Sofia for Macedonia to start negotiations and become an EU member state.

But the key question for the author and the media is how to get there? The work “On War” by the founder of the classical political theory of war, Carl von Clausewitz, is taken as a starting point!

Recalling that in the 20th century Bulgaria fought 4 wars for Macedonia, “giving nearly 250,000 casualties”, the author concludes that, “unfortunately, they did not give the expected result, and of the three parts (Pirin, Vardar and Aegean) of the geographical region of Macedonia”, Bulgaria managed to “keep only the smallest – Pirin”. In continuation, among other things, the author writes:

Today, Bulgaria is waging an open political and diplomatic war over the issue of the historical truth about Macedonia. Yes, the weapons are silent at the moment, but the official position of our country has not been moved even the slightest from the time of the unification wars – Macedonia is a Bulgarian country! Why is it important to win that war by imposing our own historical narrative? Because it is not a war for the past, but for the political future and belonging to the geographical region of Vardar Macedonia, on whose territory is located the absurd state the Republic of Macedonia. In addition, the author reminds of the current political events in Macedonia and envisages a dark scenario for “putting Macedonia back on the geopolitical table” for its new division, from which, according to certain scenarios, Bulgaria will get part, and according to others – no. Hence, the author recommends to the Bulgarian political class “to understand that the moment is fateful and the chances are historic”, because “the pledge is neither less nor more, but preserving the chances for future reunification with our brothers from the Povardarie in a single state under the name Bulgaria.” Therefore, let it be clear – any compromise with Macedonianism, any concession from the already announced state positions will be equal to capitulation and national betrayal! The fifth war for Macedonia is underway – not a step back !, concludes the author.