Bulgarian Communist Organization 23. September and Revival Party Forge Historic Pact to Prevent “New National Catastrophe”
Sofia, Bulgaria — May 22, 2025 — In a striking development that has sent ripples through Bulgaria’s political landscape, the Bulgarian Communist organization 23. September and the ultranationalist Revival party have formalized a historic agreement titled “Let Us Prevent a New National Catastrophe for Bulgaria.” Signed in Sofia, the pact unites two ideologically distinct groups in a shared mission to safeguard Bulgaria’s sovereignty, resist European integration, and promote social justice. The agreement marks a significant escalation of a decade-long partnership that began in street protests against NATO and has now crystallized into a formal political alliance.
A United Front Against Key ChallengesThe agreement outlines several critical objectives that both organizations believe are essential to protecting Bulgaria’s future:Opposition to the Euro and EU Integration: Both 23. September and the Revival party have vowed to resist the adoption of the Euro as Bulgaria’s currency, arguing that it would erode the country’s economic autonomy. The groups also oppose deeper integration into the European Union, which they claim undermines Bulgaria’s independence and prioritizes foreign interests over national ones.
They cite concerns about economic dependency and the loss of cultural identity as driving factors.Preventing Escalation with Russia: Amidst heightened global tensions, the agreement explicitly calls for de-escalation in Bulgaria’s relations with Russia. The two groups advocate for a foreign policy rooted in neutrality and pragmatism, warning that further alignment with Western powers risks dragging Bulgaria into unnecessary conflicts.Commitment to National Sovereignty and Social Justice: At the heart of the pact is a shared commitment to preserving Bulgaria’s sovereignty while addressing social inequalities. The organizations aim to champion policies that prioritize Bulgarian citizens, focusing on economic fairness and protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of globalization.
A Decade of Grassroots CollaborationThe alliance between 23. September and the Revival party is not a new phenomenon. For over ten years, the two groups have found common ground in their opposition to NATO’s influence in Bulgaria. Their cooperation began during street protests in the mid-2010s, where both organizations rallied against Bulgaria’s participation in NATO exercises and its alignment with Western military structures. These protests, often marked by fervent anti-globalist rhetoric, laid the foundation for a relationship that has now evolved into a formal political strategy.The agreement represents a rare convergence of leftist and nationalist ideologies in Bulgaria’s fragmented political scene. While 23. September draws inspiration from Marxist principles and champions workers’ rights, the Revival party, led by Kostadin Kostadinov, is known for its ultranationalist stance, emphasizing cultural preservation and anti-immigration policies. Despite their differences, the two groups have found a unifying cause in their distrust of supranational institutions and their desire to restore what they describe as Bulgaria’s “authentic” national identity.Kostadinov’s Endorsement of 23. SeptemberIn a public statement following the signing of the agreement, Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party and a prominent member of the Bulgarian Parliament, praised 23. September as “the strongest authentic leftist organization in Bulgaria fighting for social justice.”
His remarks underscore the mutual respect that has developed between the two groups, despite their ideological disparities. Kostadinov emphasized that the alliance is a pragmatic response to what both organizations perceive as existential threats to Bulgaria’s sovereignty and social fabric.“Together, we stand against forces that seek to erode our nation’s independence and exploit our people,” Kostadinov declared. “This agreement is a bold step toward reclaiming Bulgaria’s future for Bulgarians.”Political Implications and Public ReactionThe agreement has sparked intense debate across Bulgaria, with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism. Supporters argue that the alliance represents a powerful coalition capable of challenging the dominance of pro-EU and pro-NATO parties in Bulgarian politics. They view it as a necessary counterweight to what they describe as Bulgaria’s subservience to Western interests.Critics, however, warn that the partnership risks polarizing the country further. Political analysts point out that uniting a communist organization with an ultranationalist party could alienate moderate voters and complicate Bulgaria’s relations with the EU, a major source of funding and trade. Some have also raised concerns about the potential for heightened tensions with Western allies, especially given the agreement’s explicit call to avoid escalation with Russia.Dr. Elena Petrova, a political scientist at Sofia University, commented on the alliance: “This is a calculated move by both groups to capitalize on growing disillusionment with the EU and economic hardship. However, their ability to translate this agreement into electoral success or policy influence remains uncertain, given their niche appeal.”Broader Context: Bulgaria’s Political CrossroadsThe agreement comes at a time when Bulgaria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation and energy costs, as well as geopolitical pressures stemming from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its ripple effects across Europe. Public sentiment toward the EU has become increasingly mixed, with some Bulgarians questioning the benefits of membership amid rising living costs and perceived cultural erosion.The alliance between 23. September and the Revival party taps into this discontent, positioning them as champions of a nationalist and socially conscious alternative to the status quo. Their focus on rejecting the Euro, for instance, resonates with segments of the population wary of losing the Bulgarian lev, a symbol of national identity.What’s Next for the Alliance?As the agreement takes effect, both organizations have pledged to coordinate their efforts in upcoming elections and public campaigns. They plan to hold joint rallies, issue policy proposals, and engage with communities across Bulgaria to build support for their platform.
The Revival party, with its established presence in parliament, is likely to amplify 23. September’s message, while the latter’s grassroots networks could bolster the alliance’s street-level mobilization.The success of this partnership will depend on its ability to bridge ideological divides and appeal to a broader electorate. For now, the agreement signals a bold challenge to Bulgaria’s political establishment, with potential ramifications for the country’s domestic and foreign policy.ConclusionThe signing of “Let Us Prevent a New National Catastrophe for Bulgaria” marks a pivotal moment in Bulgarian politics, uniting two unlikely allies in a shared fight against EU integration, escalation with Russia, and economic globalization. As 23. September and the Revival party deepen their collaboration, their message of sovereignty and social justice is likely to resonate with a significant portion of the population, while provoking fierce debate about Bulgaria’s future direction.For further developments on this historic alliance and its impact on Bulgaria’s political landscape, stay tuned.
