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President Radev calls for a debate on the inrtoduction of basic military training for young people

President Rumen Radev (in the middle) at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army in Stara Zagora, 14 June 2024.
Photo: president.bg

Speaking in Stara Zagora at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army, President Rumen Radev stressed the need for basic military training for the younger generation. A debate needs to be held on whether young people in Bulgaria should receive at least basic military training, which would help bridge the growing gap between society and the army, the president said. 

Radev cited the example of NATO allies that are reintroducing conscription. In his speech to the reservists, the head of state stressed that today's geopolitical challenges and the war in Ukraine require a public debate on the army's personnel needs, which go far beyond the need for weapons and technology. The President added that decisions on national security are taken by people without a military background, which is why cooperation with the Mobilisation Reserve is so important in Bulgaria.

In the past, he said, every household was somehow connected to the army, but today, almost 20 years after conscription was abolished, this is no longer the case. "Soon, there will be very few MPs left in the National Assembly who have had any involvement with the army, and it is there that important decisions for our national security are made," the head of state added. Noting the challenges posed by military conflicts in neighbouring regions, Radev said that regardless of technological advancements in weapons production, the training and motivation of personnel remained of paramount importance.

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