However, politics does not create progress, clubs should build bridges, not tear them down.

The opening of the Macedonian cultural club "Nikola Vaptsarov" in Bulgaria is the bridge of friendship between the two peoples and the two countries. The act itself should not be presented as a triumphalism of individuals or political parties, but rather as a trigger for national unification in the direction of continuing the country's European path.

This is a brief summary of the domestic political analysts he consulted Free Press in a sublimated conclusion, they evaluate yesterday's step of opening the Macedonian club in Blagoevgrad, which, according to the founders, aims to bring the two peoples together and overcome the differences between Skopje and Sofia.

Petar Arsovski, political analyst / Morning briefing
Petar Arsovski, political analyst / Morning briefing

The political scientist Petar Arsovski says that the opening of the Macedonian club in Bulgaria is a step in the right direction despite all the political folklore that happened around it. According to Arsovski, this act dynamizes in the domestic public the debate about the constitutional changes that are necessary for European perspectives.

- It is a bit paradoxical that those who opposed the most were present there. If they can go to the opening ceremony in Blagoevgrad, it means that tolerance and relaxation of relations with Bulgaria will follow. If this is an indication that they will have a more lenient attitude towards the constitutional changes, it will say a lot about the improvement of relations with Sofia, but also at home. The policy of spite does not give rise to progress, on the contrary, the policy of tolerance is the one that leads forward - assesses Arsovski.

Risto Nikovski / Photo: Free Press Archive

On the other hand, the former ambassador Risto Nikovski however, he has a slightly different attitude regarding the opening of the Macedonian cultural club "Nikola Vaptsarov" in Bulgaria. Although he welcomes the act, he still says that Macedonia made a historical mistake when Sofia did not ask for reciprocity for the Macedonians in Bulgaria when she was blackmailed into inserting the Bulgarians into the Constitution.

- The comparisons that the opening of the Macedonian club in Blagoevgrad is a provocation similar to the fascist names of the Bulgarian ones in Macedonia, to say the least, is out of mind. The problem with Macedonians in Bulgaria not enjoying any universal minority rights is old and well known. Yesterday's opening of the club in Blagoevgrad somehow corrects these mistakes and paves the way for improving the overall position of Macedonians in Bulgaria. The very act of opening the club is a gesture and a demonstration of the desire for Macedonians in Bulgaria to be part of the bridge of friendship between the two peoples and the two countries. It was unequivocally manifested at yesterday's event. It is important that there was a representative of President Pendarovski and that is to be welcomed, while it is shameful that no one was from the Government and SDSM. Let's hope that there will be other Macedonian clubs in Bulgaria and that this is just the beginning of improving the position of ours in the neighboring country - says Nikovski.

Nano Ruzin, former Ambassador to NATO / Morning briefing

The former ambassador to NATO, Nano Ruzin analyzing them for Free Press the situation after the opening of the Macedonian cultural club, what it will mean for the two countries and the people and what should be our next steps, he says that we should be brave and accept the challenges to continue the country's European path.

- Every meeting, whether it is about non-governmental organizations, political parties or officials, etc. when it comes to two neighbors who seem to have some problems, every contact from every sector is important for improving relations. It must be stimulated and welcomed without a doubt. One should not show any triumphalism and seek political points and the importance of political parties should be before the state interest. But still, even that and that triumphalism is better than nothing. Such meetings have my full support and at the same time I appeal to avoid nationalist outbursts. The step is a positive event for the country, which I hope will continue without pouring out unnecessary emotions - concludes Ruzhin.

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