Bulgarian Nationalists Fall Out with Ruling GERB

The leader of the Bulgarian far-right, nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, has launched another attack on the ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, GERB, party.

During a party meeting in the town of Batak, scheduled as an event to pay homage to Batak martyrs killed by Ottoman Forces, Siderov voiced strong criticism towards GERB, calling them national traitors over their refusal to declare May 17 "Day of National Genocide against Bulgarian People Committed by Turkey.

"We warn GERB that if they continue to ignore Bulgaria's national interests and to serve America, Russia and Turkey, they will soon collapse and become extinct as a political force. Ataka has granted GERB support, but under the condition of protection of national interests. We now need a Head of State, who will fight for our national interests," Siderov said.

The nationalist leader further appealed to GERB to not raise electricity prices on June 1, threatening this will mean the end of his support for them.

Since the general elections in July, 2009, Ataka has been GERB's strongest ally, securing their parliamentary majority.

So far, Siderov is the only politician, who has firmly announced his intentions to run for President in the fall.

Meanwhile, the Ataka press center informed that media publications party supporters have burst in the Batak Town Hall, insulting municipal employees, are false, citing the spokesperson of the police in the city of Pazardzhik, who had said that public order had not been violated.

The nationalists further state they are outraged the first ever ceremony, dedicated to the martyrs of the Batak massacre, honoring them as saints, had been turned into a country fair with cheerleaders, food vendors and pop-folk music, known in Bulgaria as chalga.

It was reported Tuesday that Ataka members and followers marred the event by stirring a scandal.