The Sofia Regional Governor has blocked the Sofia Municipal Council’s decision to rename “Zaimov” Park to “Oborishte” Park. Regional Governor Yovelina Tihova returned the proposal for reconsideration, citing procedural irregularities regarding the legal requirements for renaming municipal sites in the capital.
Why the renaming was halted
According to the official order, the decision taken by the Sofia Municipal Council on May 28 failed to comply with the municipal ordinance governing the naming and renaming of public objects. The regulations stipulate that such changes must be based on restoring historical names, addressing historical justice, or resolving duplicate naming issues. The Governor’s office stated that the Council’s resolution did not clearly identify which of these legal justifications was applied, rendering the act non-compliant with the specific procedural norms.
The park previously carried the name “Oborishte” between 1998 and 2007 before it was renamed after General Vladimir Zaimov.
Political reactions to the decision
The move sparked immediate political debate among local officials. Municipal councilor Vanya Grigoria stated on social media that the decision provides a second chance for the Council to review the matter. Conversely, Ivan Sotirov, a proponent of the name change and a municipal councilor from “Blue Sofia,” described the initial council vote—which passed with 25 votes in favor—as a step toward historical justice. Sotirov has publicly criticized the presence of General Zaimov’s name, citing the general’s historical role as an intelligence operative for the Soviet Union under the pseudonym “Azorsky.”
Historical context of the site
General Vladimir Zaimov was a military figure who participated in the wars for national unification between 1912 and 1918. He was later discharged from the military for his anti-monarchist views and was executed on June 1, 1942, after being convicted of espionage for the Soviet Union. While proponents of the renaming argue that honoring a figure convicted of espionage is inappropriate, others, including members of the Bulgarian Socialist Party and “Vazrazhdane,” have opposed the removal of his name, citing his military service and his opposition to Bulgaria joining the Tripartite Pact with Nazi Germany during World War II.
The conflict highlights a recurring tension in municipal governance where local authorities attempt to recalibrate public spaces to reflect shifting historical narratives. By invoking strict procedural compliance, the Regional Governor has effectively paused the implementation of the name change, forcing the Council to either refine its legal justification or face further administrative scrutiny in future sessions.
What happens next
The Sofia Municipal Council is expected to reconsider the matter at its next session, scheduled for two weeks from now. The Council must now decide whether to amend its documentation to satisfy the procedural requirements cited by the Governor or to abandon the proposal. If the Council does not address the identified legal gaps, the renaming process may remain stalled indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the decision to rename the park returned to the Council?
The Regional Governor returned the decision citing a violation of the municipal ordinance that dictates the specific criteria under which public objects can be renamed.
What is the current official name of the park?
The park is currently known as “Zaimov” Park, as the attempt to restore the name “Oborishte” has been legally challenged and sent back for further review.
How did the Council vote on the initial proposal?
The proposal to rename the park was approved on May 28 with 25 votes in favor, 14 against, and 8 abstentions, while 14 councilors present in the hall declined to vote.
Do you believe public spaces should be named after historical figures involved in intelligence or espionage activities?
