Revolutionary Veteran speaks at Bulgarian anarchist conference
Anarchism in Bulgaria

THE EIGHTH CONGRESS of the Bulgarian Anarchist Federation took place in Sofia last September. Those present included not only the representatives of regional groups but also sympathisers and people who despite their political differences came to salute the anarchists and their congress for their courageous behaviour in the Bulgarian concentration camps under the yoke of the Communist Party.

Stoian Tzolav, who participated on the side of the Spanish anarchists in the revolution of 1936 and who spent many years in the fascist concentration camps of Bulgaria before being sentenced to death (later commuted to life imprisonment) by the Communist Party in 1949, gave a report on the international anarchist movement. Reports were also heard on the problems facing Bulgarian workers in particular unemployment, low wages, 300% inflation, crime and the increasing poverty of pensioners.

The congress decided to struggle

• For the dissolution of military forces and a declaration of true neutrality distanced from all military alliances.

• For the creation of an organisation for peace which aims to work with neighbouring peoples against war.

• For the formation of groups in districts and communes under citizen control — the police most of whom have links to the criminal mafia (which emerged from the Communist Party) being incapable of getting rid of crime.

• Against the new millionaires who are using the people’s money which was stolen by the Communist Party.

• To organise free co-ops in agriculture, industry and distribution. To organise a free commune where citizens may express their wishes and oversee the execution of projects decided upon by the General Assemblies.