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Bulgaria Begins Dismantling Controversial Soviet Army Monument

Amid deep societal divisions, the monument's figures are expected to be relocated to Sofia's Museum of Socialist Art.

  • Bulgaria has begun dismantling a Soviet army monument that has been a dominant feature of the Sofia skyline since 1954.
  • The monument, which was erected to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Soviet forces entering Bulgaria, has been a symbol of Russia’s influence in the country.
  • The decision to dismantle the monument follows years of heated debate and comes amid deep divisions between pro-Russian and pro-Western groups in Bulgaria.
  • Pro-Moscow groups in Bulgaria's Parliament, who oppose the monument's removal, have received strong backing from Moscow and plan to organize a referendum on its fate.
  • The dismantling process is expected to take at least a month, with the figures likely to be relocated to the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia.
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