Foreign Ministry condemned the booing of Bulgarian national anthem by Macedonian fans

Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the public desecration of the Bulgarian national anthem during the football match between the national teams of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia in Skopje last night, September 26.

The hate speech against Bulgaria and the Bulgarians from the stands of the national stadium in Skopje represents an unequivocal denial of the fundamental values of modern democratic societies and a clear contrast with European principles and norms of behaviour.

We note the reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia condemning the hate speech during the football match. At the same time, we call for firm and irreversible steps by the official authorities in Skopje to eradicate anti-Bulgarian aggression in the public space in the country.

We recall that with the Treaty of 2017 and the bilateral protocols signed in 2019 and 2022, the two countries categorically state their commitment to take effective measures against hate speech.

Preserving the progress made in political dialogue in recent months requires that such manifestations become part of the past forever. It is only in this spirit that the two countries will succeed in turning a new page in their relations, based on mutual respect and good neighbourliness.

***

Bulgaria's national anthem was booed at the start of the match against North Macedonia in Skopje, last night, September 26, 2022. Besides the boos, there were also insulting chants.