site.btaSocialists Slams New Content in History Schoolbooks

Sofia, January 19 (BTA) - The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) slammed new content which has been introduced in the history schoolbooks for 10th grade next year and insist that it be removed. In a declaration on behalf of her group, Socialist MP Irena Atanassova said that the new content leaves out important historical facts which predetermined Bulgaria's development for decades to come.

The new history curriculum shows that the key aim of the changes is "new ideologization and politization of education", to use Atanassova's words.

The new history curriculum has been a front-page issue in the Bulgarian press in recent days after it was announced that 10th graders will be taught about communism in Bulgaria from next year. It is almost thirty years from the collapse of communism that this period starts to be taught in schools. Experts have warned that the issue remains strongly divisive for the Bulgarian society.

Atanassova said that the new history books have nothing about fascism in Bulgaria, the anti-Jewish legislation, the pro-Nazi government. Other missing facts she mentioned are the anti-fascist resistance, the guerrilla movement, the occupation of Macedonia and Thrace. "It is not said who fought who and that the Red Army defeated the Nazis," said Atanassova.

The Socialists insist that the Education Ministry set up a board of "undisputed and widely recognized historians who have proven their impartiality" to review the history curriculum and propose a new one to include "all historic facts and events in all stages of the history of the Bulgarian State".

Atanassova recalled that the change in curricula for many subjects was prompted by a new law on preschool and school education. "Everything that schools had hoped for - simplified content reflecting the age specifics, more interdisciplinary connections, etc. - is being dashed," she said.