Abstract
ABSTRACT This article examines Bulgarian politician Volen Siderov’s rise through a career in journalism during communism, into the voice of the opposition during the post-commumist transition, and into the physical embodiment of a particularly virulent strand of far-right rhetoric in the Balkans. Through an analysis of Siderov’ continuing strategic use of media stunts, personal dares and orchestrated political confrontations, I argue that Siderov’s skilful use of populist strategies, dramatic media presence and charismatic engagement – all the while remaining ideologically ambiguous and flip-flopping – allowed him to elevate his status from that of a novice politician to a full-blown celebrity, skilfully blending the two into a most natural symbiosis.
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