The "United Bulgarians" Movement issued an open declaration regarding the appointment of Emil Dechev as Minister of Internal Affairs, and their concern is based on the fact that his brother - Stefan Dechev, is associated with the so-called "circle of Sofia Macedonianists". Respectively, Stefan Dechev expresses positions that, according to a significant part of society, undermine Bulgarian identity and statehood. Here is what he shared on this occasion to "FACTS" Dimche Yamandiev, Chairman of the Movement “United Bulgarians“.
- Mr. Yamandiev, what concerns do you have about the appointment of Emil Dechev as Minister of the Interior? This is not the first time he has been in power…
- Because it is a matter of principle, not of personality. When a Minister of the Interior is appointed - the person who is responsible for the internal order and security of the state, the society has the right to complete clarity about his views. Not half-hearted explanations, but clear positions. In this line of thought, it is good to give answers to questions such as: Does Minister Emil Dechev share the views and positions of his brother Stefan regarding relations with the Republic of North Macedonia? Does he distance himself from them or support them?
- Your declaration raises questions related to family ties and ideological positions. Why?
- Because certain positions have been discussed in the public space for years in circles that, according to many Bulgarians, weaken the national cause and historical truth. When there is such a public context around a high state post, it is right that questions be asked openly. This is not an accusation. This is a request for clarity.
- What exactly do you expect from the minister?
- We expect a categorical position. Does he differentiate himself from the controversial theses that cause public tension and are supported by his brother Stefan? There is no place for vague answers in statehood.
- What positions does Stefan Dechev express that worry you?
- Here are specific examples. The man in question - Stefan Dechev, insists on the immediate lifting of the blockade on Skopje on its path to the EU without any conditions. He repeats the Macedonianist clichés and states that the Macedonian language must be recognized, although he is not a linguist. He claims that our history with Macedonia is not common, but “shared“. How does all this sound to you…
- Doesn't such a declaration create unnecessary tension? We will say again that Emil Dechev is not the first time holding a high state position…
- Tension is created by silence. Tension is created by the lack of transparency. When there is clarity, society calms down. When there is none - doubts begin. We are not creating a problem. We are raising a question that already exists.
- You are also making an appeal to political forces, but do you expect a reaction?
- We call on all parliamentary parties and statesmen to clearly state their position. National security is not a party issue. It is a state issue. Silence at such a moment means convenience. And statehood requires courage. From the “United Bulgarians“ Movement we will continue to be a voice where others prefer silence. Our cause is the defense of Bulgarian identity, statehood and sovereignty - against any internal weakness and against any external influence that calls them into question. This is not an emotional reaction. This is a consistent position.