A Bulgarian observer in the European Parliament, member of the largest nationalist party, has sparked a scandal with his racist comments at a Hungarian MEP of Romany origin.

Livia Jaroka, 32, the first Member of the European Parliament of Romany origin, has been nominated for the annual award of the Parliament Magazine.


Dimitar Stoyanov, member of Ataka party, sent the humiliating comments via e-mail during an informal debate, arguing Jaroka is not fit for the award.

He said that in his country there are hundreds of Roma girls, who are much more beautiful that the Hungarian.

"In fact, if you are in the right place at the right time, you can buy one (12-13 year-old) to be your loving wife. The most beautiful are the most expensive - more than EUR 5, 000 per a piece!," the letter reportedly said.

In conclusion the Bulgarian observer pointed out that the Hungarian has already been awarded this year as a recognition of her skills as a young leader, although her age - 32 - "is above the one permitted for such organizations".

Later on Thursday Stoyanov apologized for his comments in a letter sent to all members and observers of the European Parliament.

"I don't consider myself to be a racist," Stoyanov said in the letter, citing the Bulgarian Penal Code, according to which one is not prosecuted if he was provoked to insult.

He insists that in his capacity of Bulgarian Member of Parliament and observer in the European Parliament, he has the right to freely express his political ideas.

"It is just that my approach to some social issues is different from that other MEPs and observers have," he added.

Dimitar Stoyanov is the grandson of Radoy Ralin, famous Bulgarian dissident, poet and satirist, and stepson of the leader of Ataka nationalist party Volen Siderov.

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