SOFIA – Nationalist Revival Party Attempts to Block European Commission President
In a dramatic turn of events, the nationalist Revival party in Sofia made a bold attempt to prevent European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen from entering a weapons plant in Bulgaria’s city of Sopot. The party’s leader, Kostadin Kostadinov, known for his anti-NATO stance, organized demonstrations alongside another nationalist party, Velichie, to oppose Bulgaria’s European path and advocate for the protection of national sovereignty.
Confrontation at the Vazov Machine Engineering Plants
Kostadinov was captured on video blocking a vehicle believed to be carrying von der Leyen, accusing Bulgarian police of attempting to harm him. Demonstrators, waving Bulgarian and Russian flags, surrounded the car and striking it with banners as tensions escalated. Despite the chaos, it remains unclear if the European Commission president was actually in the vehicle at the time.
European Commission President Continues Tour Amid Protests
Undeterred by the protests, von der Leyen proceeded with her tour of Bulgaria’s largest state-owned military enterprise, joined by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and GERB party leader Boyko Borissov. The visit included discussions on Bulgaria’s plans to expand its defence industry and meet NATO standards, with potential EU funding to support growth.
Nationalist Opposition and Anti-EU Sentiment
The Revival party, known for its anti-EU stance, has been vocal in its opposition to European initiatives and has previously engaged in acts of vandalism against EU buildings in Sofia. The protests on Sunday mark the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Bulgarian leadership and nationalist groups pushing back against EU defence efforts.
