Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Playwright Stefan Tsanev refuses "Golden Age" state award

Photo: BGNES

In a letter to the Bulgarian Minister of Culture, Vezhdi Rashidov, eminent poet, writer and playwright, Stefan Tsanev, thanked for the attention he received but refused to accept the "Golden Age" award which had to be presented on January 10 on the occasion of his 80th birthday, BTA informed.

"Golden Age" is awarded by the Ministry of Culture for outstanding contribution to Bulgarian culture and the development of cultural cooperation. The poet recalled that in 2016 the same award was given to "one of the senior officers of the State Security - the most sinister repressive institution of the former totalitarian regime."

"State Security is to blame for thousands of lost lives, including those of many artists. Giving the highest award of the Ministry of Culture to one of State Security's top executives is a mockery with the memory and suffering of the victims," Stefan Tsanev wrote. In response, Minister Rashidov said there truly was a proposal for giving the award to StefanTsanev, but the minister had not yet signed it.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgarian Judges Association raises concern over new antivirus software

Judges have opposed the introduction of a new antivirus agent on their computers. The magistrates fear that it could violate personal data protection rules and compromise the independence of the judiciary. In an official letter, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/26/25 12:21 PM

Boyko Borisov: Bulgaria will join the eurozone on January 1 despite protests

GERB leader Boyko Borisov said in Parliament that Bulgaria will become a member of the eurozone on January 1, regardless of protests organized by representatives of We Continue the Change Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB). He was commenting on opposition..

published on 11/26/25 11:06 AM

Bulgaria at risk of non compliance with the EU's fiscal framework in 2026

Six countries, including Bulgaria, are at risk of non compliance with the EU fiscal framework in 2026. This is highlighted in the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, adopted by the European Commission. Another 12 countries are urged to continue..

published on 11/26/25 10:06 AM