Kostadin Kostadinov Blocks Civilian Access at Bulgarian Arms Plant Amid Controversial Developments
Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of Revival, filmed himself obstructing a civilian car from entering a state-owned arms manufacturer in Bulgaria, a move that raises concerns about the country’s growing military industrial ambitions, reports 24brussels.
This incident occurs alongside Germany’s Rheinmetall announcing plans to construct two new factories in Bulgaria, including an expansion in Sopot, positioning the nation to become Europe’s largest gunpowder producer.
Historically, Bulgaria served as a key arms manufacturer during the Cold War, focusing on small arms, ammunition, and light armored vehicles. However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union led to a significant downturn in this sector, resulting in the closure of numerous state-owned facilities. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bulgaria has revitalized its defense industry, emerging as an essential supplier of Soviet-standard ammunition to Kyiv and reactivating dormant factories across the country.
In response to the developments, Kostadinov criticized the government’s portrayal of an impending economic boom, asserting, “The propaganda that the government is currently trying to put forward that there is about to be some sort of economic boom is completely untrue.” He questioned the focus on gunpowder production, labeling it “dangerous and dirty work,” and called for investments in military mobility and electronics instead.
Simultaneously, members of the Velichie group protested by displaying axes in a livestream, claiming to be “the bouquet that von der Leyen deserved.” These protests reflect a rising tide of national sentiment against the euro.
Ursula von der Leyen is currently on a tour of seven nations, including Bulgaria, to reassure these frontline states of the EU’s ongoing support against Russian aggression. This visit follows her stops in Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland, countries that directly border either Russia or Belarus. She is set to conclude her trip with visits to Romania and Lithuania.
This trip coincides with intensifying efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate a ceasefire in what has become a protracted conflict, now entering its fourth year, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin against Ukraine.
