Prime Minister Radev on the Bansko incident: Bulgaria does not tolerate hate speech

06.08.2026 | Bulgaria

Caretaker Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned hate speech following the incident in Bansko. He urged foreign politicians to verify the facts before criticizing our country.

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Radev: Bulgaria is a symbol of tolerance

"It is in the traditions of our institutions and our society not to accept any manifestations of xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism."

Prime Minister Rumen Radev commented on the case of verbal aggression between Bulgarian and Italian youths in front of a hotel in Bansko. He emphasized that the state reacted immediately to the hate speech.

The Prime Minister recalled Bulgaria's historical contribution to saving the Jewish community during the Second World War, pointing to this as proof of the tolerant nature of our people.

Facts about the case:

Radev called on foreign politicians to familiarize themselves with the facts before criticizing the country. He emphasized the importance of observing the laws and mutual respect on the part of all foreigners visiting Bulgaria.