Dozens of schools and a university in Bulgaria were evacuated just days before the country’s parliamentary elections on April 2, following bomb threats received via e-mail or telephone. Authorities initiated investigations into “crimes against the republic,” with the government suspecting “hybrid attacks” that are “in some way connected to Russia,” according to Acting Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev.
Although no explosive devices were found in any of the schools or the University of Economics in Sofia, Bulgaria has requested assistance from partner services in Europe and the US to identify the sender of the emails. The majority of the polling stations for the upcoming elections are located in schools, and with the threat of potential danger, the government has taken action to ensure the safety of citizens.
Despite the potential risks, Demerdzhiev has confirmed that the election process will not be interrupted unless there is a real and imminent danger. The government will continue to closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments as needed to ensure that the election proceeds as planned.
The timing of the bomb threats, just days before the election, has caused concern among many citizens, who fear that they may be prevented from casting their votes if the situation escalates. However, officials have stressed that they are doing everything possible to ensure that the election proceeds smoothly and safely.
Bulgaria, a member of both the European Union and NATO, has been on high alert in recent years due to growing concerns about Russian aggression in the region. This latest incident is just one of many that have occurred in the country and the surrounding area, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among European nations to ensure the safety and security of their citizens.
While the bomb threats have caused significant disruption and concern, Bulgarian officials are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the election proceeds as planned and that citizens are able to vote safely and without fear. The government will continue to closely monitor the situation and work closely with partner services to identify any potential threats and take action as needed.