Bulgarian President Radev Condemns “Absurd” Conviction of Ljubco Georgievski, Vows Continued Support for Bulgarians in North Macedonia

Sofia, The Gulf Observer: Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has strongly denounced the recent conviction of Ljubco Georgievski, chairman of the now-dissolved Bulgarian cultural club “Ivan Mihailov” in Bitola, North Macedonia, calling the charges of spreading hatred, xenophobia, and discrimination against him “absurd.”

During a formal meeting held this week, President Radev extended his full support to Georgievski, emphasizing Bulgaria’s longstanding commitment to defending the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia. The president recalled that his office was among the first institutions to stand by Georgievski and others facing increasing repression in the region, especially following a series of unpunished attacks on Bulgarian cultural centers and activists.

Criticizing the North Macedonian authorities for what he described as “tolerant silence” towards anti-Bulgarian acts, President Radev reaffirmed that Bulgaria was the first to raise these issues with European partners. He reiterated Bulgaria’s position that constitutional recognition of Bulgarians in North Macedonia remains a non-negotiable prerequisite for Skopje’s EU accession talks.

“The legal persecution of Ljubco Georgievski and the broader campaign of anti-Bulgarian rhetoric is unacceptable, particularly for a country seeking to join the European Union,” President Radev stated. He warned that additional, questionable charges may follow against Georgievski, and called upon all Bulgarian institutions and political leaders to act decisively in defending the rights of the Bulgarian minority in North Macedonia.

Radev also underscored the importance of collaboration with the EU, NATO, and other international bodies to combat discrimination and ensure transparency in North Macedonia’s EU accession process. He cited recent controversies in the European Parliament involving violations of procedural norms in the preparation of key documents related to North Macedonia’s EU bid.

Addressing Georgievski personally, President Radev welcomed him with warmth and assurance, saying, “You have the full support of the Bulgarian people and state.”

In response, Ljubco Georgievski expressed heartfelt gratitude to the president, stating that the Bulgarian presidential institution feels like “a home for Macedonian Bulgarians.” Accepting his court sentence with pride, he said it was “an honor to be tried as a Bulgarian in North Macedonia” and to openly identify as a Vancho Mihailovist. He vowed to continue advocating for the rights of Bulgarians across Europe, through formal complaints, diplomatic channels, and public discourse.

Georgievski emphasized that North Macedonia’s path to EU integration must be built on genuine respect for human rights, which, he claimed, remain grossly neglected in the case of the Bulgarian minority. He described the repression as extending beyond courtrooms to acts of physical violence and systemic intimidation.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev also met with Georgievski today, denouncing the trial as “politically motivated.” Minister Georgiev highlighted that the right to self-identification is a core principle of the European Union and must be fully upheld. He condemned the misuse of judicial and governmental institutions in North Macedonia to target individuals for expressing their Bulgarian identity.

“The suppression of identity through institutional pressure is incompatible with European values,” the foreign minister stated, reaffirming Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Georgievski and all Bulgarian cultural representatives in North Macedonia.

In closing, Georgievski reiterated that being convicted for defending his Bulgarian heritage is a badge of honor, not a disgrace. “I have left behind clear proof of my Bulgarian roots, not for myself, but for future generations who will know who we were and what we stood for,” he said proudly.