site.btaPoliticians Address Bulgarians on Unification Day

Bulgarian politicians Saturday extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.

Attending a ceremony marking the anniversary in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev said: Unity is our inspiration. We have succeeded when we are united, and only united will we endure. I believe that united, we will overcome today's shortcomings and together we will build Bulgaria in the spirit of our ancestors – a free, democratic, just and prosperous Bulgaria. We will cast off disbelief in our own strength, because we have paid dearly in the past for the humiliating notion that nothing depends on us and that our fate is decided elsewhere. We will emerge from the comfort of cowardice.

Vice President Iliana Iotova wrote on Facebook that 140 years ago, instead of a barrier, the border between the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia became a bridge between Bulgarians striving for unification and common progress, and that back then, Bulgarians sought the strength of consensus, not the strength of division. "If we have learned this lesson, Bulgaria will not be a country of conflicts, but a country of creation. Let us restore trust among ourselves and in the strength of the State," Iotova said.

National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova extended greetings to all Bulgarians on the occasion, saying that "traditionally, Unification Day reminds us that only united can we achieve national goals, but it also shows that Bulgaria’s national interest can prevail over international pressures, as in 1885 when the Principality of Bulgaria united with Eastern Rumelia."

In a message to the nation published on the government's Facebook page, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that history has repeatedly proved that unity is the right choice. "Whenever we are together and unite our efforts with a sense of responsibility for our common future, we see the horizon that steadily charts Bulgaria's prosperity for the future. Today, we honor the deeds of our heroes and revolutionaries, whose sense of justice and national identity gave them the courage, strength, and bravery to put Bulgaria's interests above all else," Zhelyazkov added.

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said: September 6 is more than a historic date, it is a lesson in willpower, determination, and love for the homeland. The strength of the national spirit does not depend on external circumstances, but on a clear cause, direction, and people with a sense of the destiny of the nation. The Unification is not just an act from the past, it is proof that when Bulgarians put aside their personal interests and stand behind a common ideal, they can achieve great things.

In a congratulatory message, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said: Let us remember the lessons of history and work tirelessly for a united, dignified and strong future for Bulgaria. Today, in the context of global challenges and an unstable international environment, the spirit of the Unification is more relevant than ever. Unity and solidarity, both within our country and with our partners in the European Union and the international community, are the key to peace, security, and prosperity. The Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia in 1885 was the result not only of diplomatic mastery, but also of deep national consciousness and self-sacrifice. It showed the world that when Bulgarians act together for a just cause, they achieve great goals.

Speaking to reporters following a ceremony marking the anniversary in Sofia, Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev said: September 6 is a lesson for everyone, a lesson that in far more difficult times our ancestors managed to overcome their political differences and interpersonal conflicts in the name of a common ideal. This is the lesson that we must all learn today, not to draw dividing lines greater than the one that separated Eastern Rumelia from the Principality of Bulgaria. This does not mean that we have to agree on everything, but rather that we should debate, defend our differences, but have a common ideal, and that ideal is a strong and prosperous Bulgaria.

In a Facebook post, GERB leader Boyko Borissov wrote: Today we mark a day when Bulgarians proved that the strength of a society lies in its determination to stand together. Division always makes us weaker, while common will builds the future.

Speaking to reporters during a ceremony marking the anniversary, Rumen Hristov, chairperson of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) said: September 6 is one of the most important dates after Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule - a date that made possible not only the political and territorial unification of the country, but also the uniting of the Bulgarian people. In my view, this is an important beginning for Bulgaria’s rise, for which we are grateful to those who accomplished it.

Continue the Change wrote on their Facebook page that the Unification of 1885 is proof that Bulgarians can stand up against any force when it comes to freedom and independence. "Freedom has meaning only when we are united," the party said.

Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chairperson of Yes, Bulgaria!, said: September 6 is a date when many forces in Bulgaria and abroad want to divide us, but we, Bulgarians, must resist and be sure that we are strongest when we are together.

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov wrote on Facebook that unity makes strength. "How many of you remember that this is Bulgaria’s national motto? It is time to recall it once again and realize that together we can do everything, from standing up to the Great Powers to bringing down the janissary government," he added.

Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader and MRF - New Beginning floor leader Delyan Peevski said: The Unification is the new beginning for the Bulgarian State. Our mission today is to return the state to the people and make it strong again. The Unification was an act that proved and affirmed Bulgaria’s rightful place on the European map. A historic moment that marked the start of building and developing a free, united, and modern Bulgaria. Unity makes strength.

BSP - United Left published a statement, saying that "today, 140 years later, the spirit of the Unification is needed more than ever." "Today, Unification means social justice, no Bulgarian should be left behind. It means economic development – the regions must have a chance for prosperity, and young people a future here, in their homeland. It means sovereignty, decisions for Bulgaria must be made in the interest of Bulgarian citizens, not dictated from outside. It means democracy, honest politics, rule of law, and accountability of power before the people," the parliamentary group added.

There Is Such a People (TISP) wrote on their Facebook page that the Unification of Bulgaria in 1885 is one of the greatest political acts in this country’s history. Party leader Slavi Trifonov added in a separate post: The Bulgarians of that time showed us how it is done. Do not forget that we carry within us the blood of those proud and courageous people who put Bulgaria above all else. I am sure, in fact, I am absolutely convinced that we can do it too.

MECh leader Radostin Vasilev wrote on Facebook that "nowadays, more than ever, Bulgaria needs a national ideal that will unite the people." "Because only together can we defeat the people who have been plundering the country for decades and trying to sell our future. The unjust Treaty of Berlin divided Bulgarian land with artificial borders, but failed to divide the Bulgarian nation. The unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia was not a one-time act. The existence of the young Bulgarian State, its free and upward development would not have been possible without the brilliant diplomatic and military protection of the Unification and all the dear sacrifices made during the Serbian-Bulgarian War," Vasilev noted.

Velichie wrote on their Facebook page that "on September 6, we honor the deeds of the brave Bulgarians who, with blood and will, united the Motherland." "They did not speak; they acted. Today, it is our duty to preserve their legacy and to restore the greatness of Bulgaria," the party said.