Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Calls September 22 "The Most Unifying Day for Bulgarians"

Diana Dukovska, BTA correspondent Lilia Yordanova

From right: Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov, Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova, and Brigadier General Stancho Kaykov, Commandant of the Vasil Levski National Military University, at the Independence Day celebrations, Veliko Tarnovo, September 22, 2025 (BTA Photo/Marina Petrova)

Veliko Tarnovo, North Central Bulgaria,

22.09.2025 12:42

(BTA)

In his address on Independence Day, Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov said there is no more unifying day for the Bulgarians than September 22 - "a day when pride and joy in being Bulgarian and Veliko Tarnovo citizens are all around".

"That is why today the bells ring in celebration, and the Bulgarian flag proudly flies, both here, in the heart of our history, and from the balconies of homes," the Mayor said. "Today we celebrate the living memory of the Bulgarian people, who have achieved and defended their right to be equal to other nations, to live in a State that is free, united and independent."

Panov said that when Prince Ferdinand read the Manifesto on the proclamation of independence in the church of Forty Holy Martyrs, he was not speaking solely on his own behalf. "Each letter of the Manifesto conveyed the centuries-old call of our people for real freedom and, above all, the faith in God, by whose will Bulgaria achieved its independence," the Mayor said.

"Independence requires maturity and responsibility. 117 years on, the legacy of our ancestors stands out more clearly than ever, especially in times like today, when division is the greatest challenge," Panov said, adding that this is the worst crisis at present.

"To overcome it, we need reason and faith in our own efforts, abilities and willingness to rise above personal interests and ensure the life our children deserve. Love is also needed - love for Veliko Tarnovo, for Bulgaria and for our fellow citizens. Our people yearn for peace, and this must be the goal both for the State and for those who loudly call themselves the opposition," the Mayor said.

Veliko Tarnovo is the centre of Monday's celebrations of the 117th anniversary of the declaration of Bulgaria's Independence. National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova is in the town for the formal events.

/DD/