Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and Vice President Margarita Popova reported the institution’s activity in the end of the second year of their service. In the words of the head of state the last two years were marked by serious challenges in the history of the EU, with the heaviest crisis ever since the 1980s. For Bulgaria this means a combination of crises, including a wave of protests and strong immigration pressure over the past year. However, the lack of trust was the most serious problem for the Bulgarians, the president underlined. Answering a RB question on whether the political situation in 2014 will be stabilized, Mr. Plevneliev said:

“I don’t expect any significant change by mid-2014, as far as the strongest clash between political parties and leaders for the past 24 years is concerned. Yes, democracy requires a collision of ideas and political parties at parliament, but in my opinion for a first time in Bulgaria’s democratic history we allow a so undemocratic action: a total clash between all political leaders. The Bulgarian people didn’t deserve to hear all those rude words inside the parliament and none of those contributed to the increasing of trust between institutions. A collision of ideas and political subjects is something normal, but a personal collision, growing into wars and conflicts is not normal at all. Unfortunately, we are to see this personal conflict bursting at its most by the next EP election. Sometimes the political fight at all costs and the takeover by all means don’t contribute to the solving of the nation’s problems.”

Bulgarians abroad are doing fine, Vice President Margarita Popova answered to a RB question. The reason: the presidential institution and the executive power follow the direction, drawn as early as 2012: finalizing of the Strategy for Bulgarian communities abroad, which has being prepared since 2011. Mrs. Popova reminded that during the meeting of their representatives end-2013 downtown Sofia the main subject tackled was their national representation in Bulgaria and how they could participate in the state policies.

“We will organize a Second conference of Bulgarian communities abroad with representatives of the executive power and the presidency here, in Sofia. It will be devoted to the Strategy, the way we should see it in its final version. I guess there will be an accent of interest on the educational and social ministries. These are the two executive branches that have the most direct, almost everyday attitude on the issue. We have good news, as far as Bulgarian communities abroad are concerned. All we have to do now is keep together this consolidated will to work on the issue.”

English version: Zhivko Stanchev