Konstantin Kostadinov, leader of Bulgaria’s ultranationalist and pro-Russian party “Vazrazdane” (Renaissance), sparked outrage in North Macedonia after making controversial statements advocating for the unification of North Macedonia with Bulgaria. His remarks followed an equally contentious endorsement of claims purportedly made by US President-elect Donald Trump regarding the integration of Canada as the 51st state of the US.
Kostadinov initially argued on social media: “Trump’s claims regarding Canada are entirely justified. There is nothing more logical and normal than for two countries with a common history, origin, language, and largely a common people, such as the US and Canada, to become one state. The same applies to Trump’s position on the Panama Canal. After all, the US built the canal, owned it until 1979, and was its first administrator. Vazrazdane fully supports these claims of the newly elected American president.”
He then extended his argument to the Balkans, stating: “The same logic applies to North Macedonia. There is nothing more reasonable than for two countries with a common history, origin, language, and people, such as Bulgaria and Macedonia, to unite into one state.”
These remarks were met with swift and strong condemnation from North Macedonia’s government. Skopje labeled Kostadinov’s statements as “unacceptable” and “malicious.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia issued a statement, declaring: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia strongly condemns the remarks made by the leader of the Bulgarian political party ‘Vazrazdane’ and MP Konstantin Kostadinov, in which he expresses clear territorial claims against our country. Such statements represent a direct attack on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of our state. They also directly contradict the principles of international law, the non-interference of states in their internal affairs, and the policy of fostering good relations.”
The Ministry further called on Bulgaria’s government to disavow Kostadinov’s comments, urging Sofia to reject them as “unacceptable” and “inappropriate.”
Kostadinov’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the influence of nationalist rhetoric in the region. His party, “Vazrazdane,” emerged as the third-largest political force in Bulgaria during the parliamentary elections of October 2024, securing 13.8% of the vote. However, both the center-right “GERB” party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the centrist coalition “We Continue the Change” have ruled out any cooperation with “Vazrazdane.”
Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
