President Rumen Radev called on his Hungarian counterpart Tamas Sujok to use the influence of Budapest and convince the authorities in Skopje to include Bulgarians in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia. The gesture of the head of state caused comments. For some, this is another diplomatic remark, for others - an attempt at a new type of foreign policy message, in which historical memory becomes a tool, not a slogan. Political analyst Velizar Enchev, Doctor of International Law and International Relations, Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia (1997-2002), spoke about the significance of this appeal to FACT.
- Mr. Enchev, who has closer relations with the Republic North Macedonia today - Hungary or Bulgaria?
- It is undoubtedly Hungary. But not because it is closer historically, but because it is more active politically. Budapest has economic and media interests in Skopje, while Sofia has historical, cultural and moral grounds, which, however, it rarely turns into a diplomatic argument. Radev is not looking for help from Hungary - he reminds us that there is a shared destiny between our two peoples. In two world wars, Bulgaria fought for Macedonia just as Hungary fought for Transylvania - and both countries lost these lands, but not their memory of them.
- Will the Republic of North Macedonia include Bulgarians in its constitution?
- This is not just a legal act, but a moral test. North Macedonia must choose between historical truth and state mythology. Bulgarians in its constitution are not a “condition from Brussels“, but a sign of European maturity. Radev said it clearly: “The inclusion of Bulgarians is not a whim, but proof that this country wants to be part of a civilization based on truth, not falsification.“
- How do you see the prospect of North Macedonia starting EU membership negotiations?
- The EU will push for the start of negotiations, regardless of real progress, because enlargement is a geopolitical, not a moral decision. But here Radev turns historical memory into a diplomatic tool. He tells Europe that “… you cannot build a future on denying your roots“. If Brussels turns a blind eye to Macedonianism, it will accept into its ranks a country that denies part of its own European history.
- Was Bulgaria's reaction to the statement of Slovak President Pellegrini a week ago that “Goce Delchev is a Macedonian“ timely?
- More importantly is that it existed at all. For the first time in years, Sofia reacted firmly and publicly. North Macedonia has long been conducting its propaganda methodically and professionally. Bulgaria is still learning to defend historical truth as an element of its state identity, and not as Facebook patriotism.
– Can Hungary convince Skopje of the constitutional changes?
- No. But it can do something else – stop nurturing Macedonianism. The paradox is that part of the Skopje media, which daily falsifies Bulgarian history, is Hungarian-owned. If Budapest truly respects our common historical truth, let it show this in its cultural policy. European solidarity is not only energetic, it is also spiritual.
- There are departments of “Macedonian Studies“ in three Hungarian universities. Where is Bulgaria in this environment?
- Good question. Bulgaria is absent where it should be most present - in academic environments. While in Budapest, Szeged and Pécs the “Macedonian language“ is taught, in our country there is no program that systematically researches and promotes the common cultural heritage. Historical truth is not defended only with declarations, but with universities, books and presence in the world cultural space. This is the real front. These three Hungarian universities offer courses in Macedonian language, history and literature, in which the Bulgarian language, history and literature are studied as... “Macedonian“. This is shocking!
- Are we forgetting the topic of the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of our neighbors?
- We are forgetting it because it does not bring quick political dividends. But President Radev brought it back to the agenda in a different way – not as a slogan, but as a foreign policy message. He showed that historical memory can be an instrument of respect, not of division. In this sense, his gesture towards Šuyok is not a request, but a reminder that Hungary and Bulgaria have a common wound, but also a common duty to the truth. Vardar Macedonia Hungarian Transylvania are not just geographical names of lost lands, but shared traumas. Bulgarians and Hungarians are two peoples who have lost battles, but not their ideals. And Radev's message sounds like a call to Europe - do not build the future on oblivion, falsifications and the theft of history!