As We Slip into the Mud

In Bulgaria, as elsewhere in the region, there is a growing concern about the instrumentalisation of the media, which has long neglected the classic virtues of journalism, such as objectivity, impartial and relevant reporting, to the advantage of the political order that manipulates the public and takes control over society.

In the Bulgarian context, there is a clear external attempt to destabilise the society. In essence, Bulgaria is a small chessboard for foreign interests. National political parties openly manifest their international sympathies.

While the still ruling GERB of Boyko Borisov and the marginalised liberal opposition are openly pro-European, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) promotes a much more flexible and friendly approach towards Russia. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and the BSP criticise sanctions against Russia and attempt to sabotage a further strengthening of NATO influence in the region. Far right-wing parties, in particular Ataka, openly replicate the Russian narrative.

As a consequence, there is no single coherent response grounded in a national consensus to the issue of foreign interference. The Bulgarian authorities prefer to stay off the radar with regard to information warfare to the extent that the Russian Federation has spotted an opportunity to undermine the unity of the European Union.