Bulgarians abroad - together with their compatriots in our country, ‎are again faced with a choice, which will determine whether our ‎country will work for the prosperity of its citizens and establish ‎itself in the European and Euro-Atlantic family as a reliable partner.‎

Between 35 and 45 thousand Bulgarians live in Austria, of ‎which only 5 thousand voted in the last parliamentary ‎elections. However, the statistics of October 2, 2022 elections can be ‎changed, since 15 polling stations in eight cities are available for ‎them today.‎

‎"Unfortunately, the attitude among the Bulgarians in Vienna does ‎not differ from the previous elections. People seem to be tired of ‎elections", says Teodor Georgiev, a sports and social entrepreneur ‎living in the Austrian capital. He is one of the Bulgarians active ‎abroad who, together with other compatriots, openly expresses his ‎civic position. And although in recent years "protests" and ‎‎"elections" are among the most used words, our country is once ‎again facing fundamental problems, the solution of which should ‎have been found a long time ago.‎

"The problems with corruption and the lack of the rule of law are ‎deeply rooted in Bulgarian politics and, as we see, it takes time and ‎constant efforts to achieve a significant change - continues Teodor ‎Georgiev. - We still can't visualize it, we can't feel it, we can't touch it, ‎so it is extremely important to continue to ask fundamental ‎questions and demand responsibility from those who govern, no ‎matter who they are. Progress may be slow, but every step towards ‎a more transparent and democratic society is important, and this is ‎why we take to the streets when necessary. Without dealing with ‎corruption and achieving the rule of law, we cannot take the steps ‎we want."‎

Sociologists and political analysts are not very optimistic that it will ‎be possible to form a cabinet even after these elections. Another one ‎is added to the many dividing lines between the parties - on which ‎side do they stand with regard to the war in Ukraine. On this ‎occasion, Teodor Georgiev points out:‎

‎‎

‎"It is essential to ensure that Bulgaria's foreign policy is in line with ‎its national interests and values, as well as with those of its partners. ‎We must not forget that Bulgaria is part of many foreign policy ‎treaties and I don't understand what kind of discussion ‎there should ‎be on these topics.”‎

That is why political energy, according to the young entrepreneur, ‎should be focused on the development opportunities that Bulgaria ‎has to offer each of its citizens. ‎

‎

"The future government must give priority to economic growth and ‎social justice, as well as sustainability in health care," Teodor ‎Georgiev told Radio Bulgaria. “The coronavirus pandemic has ‎highlighted the importance of investment in this area, and also in ‎education, to support vulnerable groups. In addition, it is necessary ‎to address the digital divide and invest in infrastructure to support ‎the growth of the technology sector. I believe that it is the ‎technological sector that is the chance for Bulgaria to position itself ‎on the world map with a product and service that is at a high ‎level. ‎We see that there are startups in the technology industry that ‎we can be proud of.”‎

However, for all this to happen, it is necessary for each of us to give ‎our vote, Teodor Georgiev is convinced.‎

"Voting is a way to participate directly in democracy and determine ‎our future. Every vote counts - it's critical to hold our leaders ‎accountable and demand the change we want to see at the end of the ‎day."‎

And while politicians once again face the problems and ‎responsibilities that have been suppressed over the years with pre-‎election promises to solve them, civil initiatives really contribute to ‎realizing our own strength and uniting us as a community. An ‎example of this is given by the Bulgarians in Austria.‎

‎

"In November 2022, the association Societas Bulgarica was ‎established in Austria, which deals with several key areas - says ‎Teodor Georgiev. - Our idea is to organize a large part of Bulgarians ‎abroad, starting from Vienna, in areas such as business relations, ‎specialization and competence, social and cultural areas. i.e. there is ‎a place for everyone with us. We have reached this point in our ‎development as a society beyond the border where we can achieve ‎much more. We are looking for self-confident Bulgarians, Bulgarian ‎entrepreneurs and people who want to develop.”‎