The Ethno-Historical Context of North Macedonia and Its Regional Relations

Why do far-right Bulgarian MPs make irredentist claims against North Macedonia?

Far-right ultranationalist Bulgarian Members of Parliament (MPs) from the parliamentary group 'Възраждане' (Rebirth) are frequently making irredentist claims against North Macedonia, particularly regarding the region of Pirin Macedonia. These claims are misguided and unsupported by historical evidence. They argue that 'Pirin Macedonia' is under Bulgarian occupation, but this assertion lacks factual grounding.

Understanding the Historical Context

The Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 saw the liberation of the multi-ethnic geographical region of Macedonia from the Ottoman Empire. Following the wars, the region was divided among the members of the Balkan League, which included Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia. The region was not occupied by Bulgaria but rather divided among the newly independent Balkan states.

The thesis that Pirin Macedonia is under Bulgarian occupation is anachronistic and historically inaccurate. The region is a part of North Macedonia, and there is no credible evidence to support the notion of occupation or forced annexation.

The Impact of Ethnic Claims on Regional Relations

These irredentist claims by Bulgarian MPs can have serious implications for regional stability. They alienate North Macedonians from their neighbors and create a toxic environment that can stoke tensions and resentment. It's important to highlight that the majority of North Macedonians recognize their country's borders, and they are working towards fostering goodwill and mutual understanding with their neighbors.

The fact that these claims are being made by politicians from a far-right party further complicates the situation. They are using history as a tool to justify nationalist sentiments rather than promoting a sharedhistory and common future. This approach does little to bridge the gaps between ethnic groups and instead fuels division.

Historical Documentation and Misconceptions

The statement on the banners displayed by the Bulgarian MPs is unrealistic. The notion that after 80 years of enforced Bulgarophobia, state-sponsored pseudo-history, and propaganda, the awareness of the shared history and the diverse cultural mosaic of the region has been erased is absurd. Historical documents and academic research provide a much clearer picture.

For instance, according to Irina Livezeanu and Arpad von Klimo in their book 'History of East Central Europe since 1700' (Routledge, 2017), the Yugoslav Communists recognized the existence of a Macedonian nationality during World War II to quiet the fears of the Macedonian population. They did not recognize them as Bulgarians because doing so would have meant acknowledging that they should be part of the Bulgarian state. Instead, they sought to create a national consciousness that would inspire identification with Yugoslavia.

This history was deliberately shaped to de-Bulgarize the Macedonian Slavs and create a distinct national identity, which further complicates the misunderstanding around the region's status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the irredentist claims made by far-right Bulgarian MPs are not only misinformed but also harmful to the broader regional peace and understanding. The historical context of the region is clear: the Balkan Wars and subsequent territorial arrangements resulted in the division of Macedonia, not occupation by one state. It is important for all stakeholders to focus on fostering mutual respect, understanding, and coexistence.