EFE/BORIS

(Dis)United

Goce Delcev, the early 20th century revolutionary, could easily be a historical figure to unite Bulgarians and Macedonians. Unfortunately, he seems to be becoming a bone of contention between the governments in Skopje and Sofia.

Buying Influence

China's presence in the Balkans may be nothing new, but the massive increase in its investment in the region is something worth taking note of, as Visar Xhambazi points out in his comment for Balkan Insight. In the simplest of terms, he argues that China has been using its money to increase its influence in the region.

In October last year, at a celebration marking the 800th anniversary of the SPC's autocephaly, or ecclesiastical autonomy, Patriarch Irinej honoured Vucic with the Order of St. Sava 1st Degree, the Church's highest order.

Behind words about faith, nation, and freedom often hide naked political interests and a fight for dominance in society. The ongoing feud reminds us again of how questions regarding Church and faith are so intertwined with politics and power.

Hand in glove