After a 10-year-long break, today Plovdiv celebrated the birth of the renowned prime minister of Bulgaria Stefan Stambolov.

Politicians and citizens gathered in front of his monument on the square “Stefan Stambolov”, announced Radio Plovdiv.

The speech for the 155th anniversary of Stambolov was given by the ex-mayor of Plovdiv Spas Garnevski. The monument was built during his service to the city.

“Praised by some and hated by others, to this day Stefan Stambolov remains among the most discussed and controversial political figures of the newly-freed Bulgaria,” said Spas Garnevski in his speech.