A recent photo captured during an international conference themed “Transition from a Unipolar to a Multipolar World. Europe-Balkans-Bulgaria” has stirred controversy in Bulgarian political circles. The event, organized by the Russian embassy in Sofia, was dedicated to commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Yalta conference and the 95th birthday of Russian diplomat Yevgeny Primakov, bringing together notable figures including Minister Borislav Gutsanov, MEP Kristian Vigenin, and former PM Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
The image has led to fierce criticism, with detractors accusing Gutsanov of prioritizing foreign engagements over tackling Bulgaria’s pressing social issues. Prominent voices in politics, including former MP Yavor Bozhankov and Minister of Environment Manol Genov, have called for an explanation from Gutsanov, arguing that his role as a government minister should primarily focus on the nation's internal challenges instead of participating in politically sensitive international events.