The Russian consulate in Varna was closed in October 2022 after Bulgaria declared 70 Russian diplomats as undesirable persons citing reasons of national security.
However, the consulate’s activities continue at the local office of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, where Russian citizens receive assistance in passport and pension matters.
According to the Yes Bulgaria party, the provision of diplomatic services from the party office violates the principle of political neutrality of diplomacy. The party is demanding an investigation and legal action if the media reports prove to be true. The Euractiv according to his information, the state has already handed over the former building of the consulate to the municipality so that a kindergarten can be established there.
Varna was once a popular investment destination for Russians, but since the start of the war, interest has waned as more than 20,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the city.
The Bulgarian Socialist Party continues to actively advocate pro-Kremlin policies and oppose decisions on military aid to Ukraine.
The cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images
Source: www.portfolio.hu
