Tension among the ruling parties – Should Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova be declared persona non grata?

Should Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova be declared persona non grata? This question has provoked mixed comments in the ruling coalition. The request was made in a declaration from the parliamentary rostrum by “Democratic Bulgaria” on April 6. They strongly condemned the atrocities committed by the Russian army in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev explained that it is possble that a common position may be reached by the end of the day. A little later, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) explained that the recall of the Russian ambassador had not been discussed in the coalition, BSP leader and Deputy Prime Minister Kornelia Ninova said in a Facebook post, in which she called for calm and reasonable behaviour, in line with the national interest.

Ten days after Bulgaria summoned its ambassador back from Moscow for consultations, expecting Russia to do the same, the cabinet is considering whether to take action and declare Russian ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova persona non grata.

"Such a position of the government is under discussion. It is possible that by the end of the day the government will come up with a common position," said Assen Vassilev, deputy prime minister and finance minister.

From the parliamentary rostrum, “Democratic Bulgaria” called for Mitrofanova's expulsion in the context of a declaration condemning the atrocities in Bucha and demanding a more vigorous response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

"We insist on the declaration of persona non grata of the Russian ambassador to Bulgaria Mitrofanova, whose recent behaviour is systematically in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and undermines the dignity of Bulgaria," said Antoaneta Tsoneva, an MP from “Democratic Bulgaria”.

Some of the coalition partners see the actions of "Democratic Bulgaria".as a neglect of the common decision.

"Politically, let's go the way we have agreed. Once again, “Democratic Bulgaria” are saying something through a declaration. We should discuss this at a coalition council," said Stanislav Balabanov, an MP from "There is Such a People" party.

The largest parliamentary group has no common position.

"My personal opinion is that I would support such a proposal," said Nastimir Ananiev, an MP from “We Continue the Change”.

In a Facebook post, BSP leader Kornelia Ninova commented that a decision to expel the Russian ambassador was not reached.at either at a coalition council, or at a ministerial or presidential council in parliament, According to her, this is an extreme step with grave consequences, calling for reasonable behaviour.

Expectedly, GERB-UDF and "Vazrazhdane" are of radically different opinions. They recalled already expressed positions.

"If we were in government now, Mitrofanova would have been declared persona non grata and would have left a long time ago. Simply because for many reasons, of course, but most of all because she has long ago crossed the boundaries of what is normal and what is allowed to a diplomat," said Daniel Mitov - Deputy Chairman of GERB.

"We from "Vazrazhdane” believe that it is neither appropriate nor suitable for Bulgaria to enter into the rhetoric of any other country and to expel an ambassador", said Tsoncho Ganev, deputy chairman of "Vazrazhdane".

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms did not comment on the topic.