Dismantling of Soviet Army Monument in Sofia Resumes with Removal of Inscriptions

The removal of the debated Soviet Army Monument in Sofia, Bulgaria resumed on April 22, 2024, with the removal of facing plates bearing inscriptions, according to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency. The monument, which portrays the Red Army as the 'liberator' of Bulgaria, has been a subject of criticism and debate in the country.

The dismantling process initially began in December 2023 with the removal of the sculpture group on the pedestal, due to the monument's deteriorating condition. However, the process was temporarily suspended following an appeal. The Supreme Administrative Court rejected a request by the association 'Stand up. BG' to dispute the actions of officials from the Sofia District Administration regarding the dismantling and cutting of the bronze figures.

Maya Manolova, the representative of 'Stand up. BG', stated that while the Supreme Court's decision did not dispute their claim that the destruction of the monument is illegal, it impeded citizens' right of access to court and violated their right to a fair trial. Despite this, the dismantling has now resumed, with over a million euros allocated by the government to complete the final stages.

Why this matters: The removal of Soviet-era monuments is part of a broader process of decolonization and decommunization in Eastern European countries, as exemplified by the demolition of similar monuments in the Czech Republic. This event highlights the ongoing efforts to confront and reconcile with the legacy of the Soviet Union in Bulgaria and the region.

The monument, erected in 1954, features three bronze sculptures depicting a Soviet soldier, a mother with her child, and a worker. Once fully removed, the monument will be displayed in the Museum of Socialist Art. The decision to dismantle the monument has been a long-standing controversy, with the Russian Embassy and Bulgarian Russophiles opposing it, while others have supported the move to remove this "propaganda tool from bygone days" from the city center.

The Soviet Army Monument has been a symbol of the Soviet era in Bulgaria, a Slavic and Orthodox country with close historical and cultural ties to Russia. However, relations between the two countries have been strained since Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The resumption of the monument's dismantling marks a significant step in Bulgaria's ongoing efforts to address its communist past and redefine its cultural landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Bulgaria resumed dismantling Soviet Army Monument in Sofia on April 22, 2024.
• Removal process began in Dec 2023, suspended due to appeal, now resumed with govt funding.
• Removal is part of decolonization and decommunization efforts in Eastern Europe.
• Monument was a symbol of Soviet era, its removal reflects strained Russia-Bulgaria ties.
• Dismantled monument will be displayed in Museum of Socialist Art.