North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova has condemned the controversial annexation comments made by Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Bulgaria’s far-right “Revival” party. Speaking on a local television program, Siljanovska-Davkova described the proposal as “disrespectful” and warned that such rhetoric risks damaging relations between the two countries.
Kostadinov, a vocal nationalist, has sparked outrage by calling on the Bulgarian government to officially claim North Macedonia and parts of southern Ukraine. His remarks, made earlier this week, were swiftly condemned across the political spectrum in both countries.
“This is an inappropriate proposal,” Siljanovska-Davkova said. “The intention is not honest, and the goal is not for the sake of respect. To express this unilaterally actually means disrespect. It means non-recognition.”
She added that similar proposals have been rejected in the past, and any attempt to push such ideas again would only undermine the region’s fragile stability. Siljanovska-Davkova stressed that respect for neighbouring countries is essential for peace in the Balkans.
“The essence of good neighbourly relations is accepting each other, treating each other as equals,” she explained. “This is what the EU Treaty and the Treaty on Friendship between our countries are built on.”
The Treaty, signed between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, commits Bulgaria to supporting North Macedonia on its path to European Union membership, further underlining the importance of maintaining positive diplomatic relations.
North Macedonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Kostadinov’s comments, urging Bulgaria’s government to denounce them publicly. The ministry stated that such rhetoric undermines the principles of regional cooperation and stability.
Despite the controversy, Kostadinov’s “Revival” party remains a significant force in Bulgaria’s parliament, though it has been heavily criticised for its extreme nationalist positions. The party’s growing influence continues to cause concern, especially in the context of ongoing regional tensions.
