Bulgaria Faces Backlash Over UNESCO Session Withdrawal

Sofia, Bulgaria – Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) MP Manol Peykov has demanded an explanation from the Ministry of Culture and Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov regarding Bulgaria’s failure to host the 47th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session. Calling it a "huge fiasco," Peykov questioned why the event, initially planned for Sofia, will now take place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris from July 6-16, 2025, despite Bulgaria's financial support, CE Report quotes BTA

Peykov noted that a February 2025 UNESCO Secretariat letter confirmed Bulgaria’s solid preparations. However, Culture Minister Marian Bachev recently suggested the session "probably won’t happen" in Sofia. Peykov accused the government of administrative resistance and political motives behind the decision.

CC-DB MP Elisaveta Belobradova echoed his concerns, stating that withdrawing from hosting could only be politically driven, as there were no signs of financial or logistical difficulties. The party warned that missing this opportunity could negatively impact Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage sites.