site.btaGERB Leader Borissov Asks for North Macedonia Deputy Minister Nikoloski's Resignation

GERB leader Boyko Borissov asked for North Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski resignation due to the language he used towards Bulgarian politicians on Wednesday. In an interview with TV Alfa, Nikoloski criticized the absence of his country's national flag in a photo of Presidents Rumen Radev and Gordana Siljanovska during Siljanovska's visit to Sofia on September 13, stating that "both the [Bulgarian] political parties and the President are trying to gain advantages at the expense of [North] Macedonia."

"If they [the government of North Macedonia] fail to do so [demand his resignation] - neither the President, nor ministers, nor parties should see them, to talk to them," Borissov added. The GERB leader stressed that he will make sure that European People's Party will hear what Nikoloski has said. 

He argued that "apparently unofficial, friendly meetings, even related to opera, should not be held with these people".  Borissov said that the current cabinet in Skopje took office a short while ago and may be unfamiliar with state protocol. 

He stressed that the priority for Bulgaria is to show stability as such has not been found for seven parliamentary elections in a row. "From the outside Bulgaria looks terrible," Borissov added.

On Wednesday, there were sharp reactions in Bulgaria to the claims made by Nikoloski.