Defending the national interest with the strength of arms and the ability to maneuver in a complex international environment were the foundation of the success of 1885, emphasized Elisaveta Belobradova, a Member of Parliament from "Democratic Bulgaria." In a declaration from the parliamentary podium dedicated to the Unification Day of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, she highlighted the fact that this historic moment is a testament to the country's political will to stand by its decisions, regardless of external pressure.
According to Belobradova, the Unification was neither the result of prior agreements between the Great Powers nor the product of a favorable international climate. In those years, Bulgaria acted under severely limited circumstances, surrounded by states with their own agendas. A key role in this process was played by Prince Alexander Battenberg, who, despite being aware of the immense risks, declared: "My opinion is that I cannot but accept the Unification," and added in his manifestos: "I have recognized the Unification as an accomplished fact." Thus, what took place in Plovdiv became the official position of the Bulgarian state.
The challenges facing the young principality were significant, especially from Russia, which did not accept the act. The MP noted that after September 6, every move by the country required careful consideration of the international situation. The culmination of this struggle came with the Serbo-Bulgarian War, declared only two months later. In a situation where the army lacked its Russian command staff and the state was under immense pressure, the defense at Slivnitsa became fateful. "It was decided there whether the political act of September 6 would be upheld," Belobradova pointed out, adding that the victory on the battlefield made it impossible to return to the status quo from before the Unification.
This success in 1885 was achieved through the state's ability to implement change, defend it, and ultimately impose a new reality to which others were forced to adapt. According to the Member of Parliament, this does not make Bulgarians warmongers, but demonstrates that a state must be capable of defending its decisions when diplomacy gives way to military pressure.
In a modern context, Belobradova drew a parallel, noting that today's Bulgaria is in an incomparably stronger international position as a member of the European Union, the Eurozone, and NATO. The difference is that today we are not standing outside the table where decisions are made; rather, we have allies, a right to vote, and the ability to build coalitions around our priorities. The modern reading of September 6 teaches us exactly that – how to understand the international environment and work successfully within it.