Bulgarian Ultranationalist Pictures Himself as Mandela, Slams France, Germany

Volen Siderov, leader of Bulgarian ultranationalist party Ataka (Attack). Photo by BGNES

Controversial Bulgarian ultranationalist leader Volen Siderov has once again condemned the popular anti-government protests in the country, accusing France and Germany of attempting to impose “colonial slavery” on the country.

Siderov, whose extremist Ataka (Attack) party informally supports the embattled socialist-led government of Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, claimed that a large part of the protesters have been “ordered” to rally by the opposition center-right GERB party. He also stated that protesters are seeking a comeback of former PM Ivan Kostov (1997-2001).

Siderov strongly criticized the Ambassadors of France and Germany, who earlier this week urged the government to cut its ties with oligarchy and listen to the voice of civil society.

The ultranationalist said that Germany and France hate him for “revealing the colonial slavery” that he believes had been imposed on Bulgaria.

“I named the companies that have been exporting gold and have had concessions. Billions have been syphoned out of the Bulgarian nation,” he said.

Commenting on Chief Prosecutor Sotit Tsatarov’s warning that he may be arrested for hooliganism due to his frequent attacks against journalists, Siderov said: “I am ready to be arrested, if this will improve the lives of Bulgarians. I am ready – just like Nelson Mandela.”

The series of anti-government protests in Bulgaria was triggered by the scandalous appointment of controversial media mogul Delyan Peevski as Chair of the State Agency for National Security (DANS).

Although the appointment was revoked, dozens of thousands of Bulgarians went on to demand that the cabinet of PM Plamen Oresharski resign collectively.

On Monday, the Ambassadors of Germany and France to Bulgaria supported the protesters by issuing a joint statement stressing that the voice of civil society must be heard and warning that the oligarchic model is incompatible with EU membership.

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