At 12 o'clock sharp, sirens sounded for the space of two minutes, and people remained motionless where they stood to honour the memory of revolutionary poet Hristo Botev and all people who have given their lives for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria.
Earlier in the day, thousands went to the Okolchitsa peak, where Hristo Botev was killed 147 years ago, to pay their respects at the monument to him. Caretaker Prime Minister Galab Donev, who is a caretaker, received the guard of honour at the foothills of Okolchitsa. We live in clamorous times, where it is difficult to tell the truth from a lie, he said. Galab Donev called for the truth never to be withheld, and on this day, the legacy of Hristo Botev and all people who have laid down their lives for a free and independent Bulgaria to be heeded.
On behalf of their parliamentary groups, the MPs made declarations honouring Hristo Botev at the National Assembly.