In Sofia, the dismantling of a Soviet soldiers monument began as heavy laborers cut away the hand gripping a PPSh submachine gun, a dramatic opening move that drew immediate attention. The development was reported by Bulgarian National Television, a key national broadcaster. This phase of removal followed a directive issued days earlier by Vyara Todeva, the administrative head of the Sofia region, who cited an emergency situation as the justification for commencing the demolition process. [citation: Bulgarian National Television]
Progress crews then wrapped scaffolding around the sculpture, enabling access for heavy equipment. Photographs released by BNT captured the moment a construction crane lowered the top portion of the statue toward the ground, with the severed hand of the figure clearly visible in the strong light of day. The act of detaching the upper sections signaled the beginning of a larger operation designed to disassemble the monument piece by piece rather than remove it intact. [citation: Bulgarian National Television]
Eyewitness descriptions from journalists indicated that grinding wheels were employed to facilitate the dismantling, a method chosen to reduce the sculpture into manageable segments for removal and potential restoration. The plan, as reported, envisions sending the tallest bronze components to a restoration facility before their eventual placement in a regional museum dedicated to socialist-era art works. The sequence reflects a broader effort to reinterpret or preserve aspects of the past through controlled conservation rather than immediate display. [citation: Bulgarian National Television]
Witnesses noted that the work began in the morning hours and continued through the day. The authorities indicated that the statues would be set aside for conservation work for the first time in several decades, marking a significant turning point in how public memorials from the socialist era are treated in Sofia and across the country. The operation underscores ongoing debates about the place of such monuments in urban landscapes and the decisions local officials make in response to shifting political and cultural sensibilities. [citation: Bulgarian National Television]
Beyond the local scene in Sofia, remarks were recorded from another government body that has responsibilities in foreign affairs and cultural policy discussions in the region. A spokesperson connected to the Russian federation commented publicly on the actions, offering a perspective on the fate of libertarian era memorials in Bulgaria’s capital. The dialogue highlights how changes to monuments can become international talking points, drawing attention from partners and observers far beyond the immediate context. [citation: Bulgarian press coverage]
As the dismantling unfolds, observers in Bulgaria and abroad watch closely how the process is managed, what happens to the materials once disassembled, and how such actions influence the memory of historical events. The planned transfer of sections to the local Museum of Socialist Art is part of a larger trend toward recontextualizing public art from contentious historical periods. The project is being carried out with an emphasis on safety, preservation where feasible, and logistical planning to ensure that the removal proceeds without disruption to nearby residents and traffic. [citation: Bulgarian press coverage]