Dear Mrs. Speaker of the National Assembly,
Your Holiness
Esteemed Members of Parliament,
Dear Mr. Presidents,
Dear Compatriots,
I would first of all like to congratulate the newly-elected Bulgarian Patriarch, showing my great respect to the importance and strength of the patriarch’s crosier and expressing the expectations and hopes of all citizens that the political and spiritual leaders elected by them will work for achieving unity, with a faith in the democratic and Christian values, will work for ensuring worthy lives for all, for the betterment and improvement of society.
We have witnessed a lot of things in the past 23 years. Over the past 23 years, which we call a transition period, Bulgaria went through a couple of large-scale crises. For this short period of time, we had two expert and two caretaker cabinets. However, Bulgaria’s history does not consist of 23 years only. We know what happened throughout our history, we had periods when political parties were banned. We had seven Grand National Assemblies. We had times when the Constitution was suspended and when the members of parliament were 47. We had authoritarian and totalitarian regimes which proclaimed themselves to be serving the public interests. History is important. We must remember it, because without roots we will wither.
I do believe that the laws and rules in the law-governed state serve as a shield against the aggravation of crises and as a strong foundation for recovery. The Bulgarian constitution protects us in hard times and stipulates ways to overcome the crises. It is our pillar of support. Decades on end all of us have striven to build a state based on the rule of law, to have an active civil society which puts forward it demands and voices its expectations to the ones it has empowered, a society that seeks and finds the mechanisms to participate in formulating and resolving the most important issues in the state.
It is true that we have covered a long road, but it is also true that we have achieved a lot. Bulgaria was considered to be worthy of EU and NATO membership. The Bulgarian people expressed its unambiguous orientation toward the values of European democracy, which is an irreversible process. This has been our conscious choice, so we all believe in it and want to see it materialize. However, the idea of democracy in Europe is linked to the idea of living a worthy life.
In the past month the people took to the streets in huge masses and showed that there is a strong civil society in Bulgaria. Our compatriots demand very simple things. First of all, they want to be governed by people with integrity, who would not steal or lie to them. They want to live well. Civil energy is strong nowadays and it is everywhere. The relevant issue is whether is will be constructive or destructive. Although this largely depends on the leaders of the protests, it also depends on us, the politicians. This is the common commitment that we, the parties and the citizens, should fulfill. Let us avoid destabilization. The citizens reached out to us and we have a chance to win back their trust!
We have the historical chance of restoring public trust. We are a free society today. The easy access to information and the Internet is changing us. People promptly react to any event. They are willing to know more. They want the institutions to be transparent and would like to be able to exert regular control over them. The people have well-grounded demands which are deeply rooted back in time, during the transition period.
The Bulgarian civil society is active and adheres to the democratic values. The protests reassert this fact. These protests are not only peaceful, but more importantly, they show that a growing number of people pose specific demands to the institutions. These demands are mainly directed at making the institutions work more efficiently and openly. This is the new element in the protests. This is the different element and we have no right to ignore it.
What do the citizens want to tell us? How do we interpret their messages? These are the important questions addressed to the political parties, to those who will want us to place our trust in them at the upcoming elections. Yes, many protests have been staged. Various demands have been put forward. Some of the protesters would like the Energy Distribution Companies to be nationalized. On the other hand, they do not trust the state. They do not want the state to finance the parties, but who should do so – the private sector? Is this the better option? Others suggest that there should be an option whereby the members of parliament could be recalled. We have already had such an option. The two constitutions of the totalitarian state, the one of 1947 and that of 1971 contained precisely such texts. People speak of nationalization, but this is not a solution because it will make the investors leave this country. If we enter a period of long-lasting insecurity and destabilization of the country, this will create risks to the potential investors in this country. It will push up the unemployment rate and interest rates. As a result we will all grow poorer and our lives will become harder.
We do not want this to happen and therefore we rely on an attitude of wisdom, good intentions and responsibility to recover from the crisis. We do not rely on emotions and rash actions and judgments. Although we should not underestimate the risks and consequences of the actions we are all to take, we should not make rash judgments and describe public demands as extreme-left, extreme-right, slogans, populist and others. I do not recommend that anyone make such judgments. Moreover, the citizens do not allow that to happen either.
Today desperate people are pouring out in the streets. Yet it is not the street protests that created the problems in the state and the people clearly showed that. The problems stem from the promises that politicians failed to keep and the inefficiently functioning institutions that have lost public confidence. The problems will not be resolved in a day or two. However, today or tomorrow we will have to make decisions. Some decisions will be right, others wrong, but each decision will have a short or long-term effect.
I do hope that we all realize what it means to burn the EU flag and the Constitution in Bulgaria today, before the very eyes of the whole world. As a wise man said, we should first read the Constitution before we decide to burn it. Instead of violating the state’s basic law, we should show a democratic culture and skill to question it in a democratic way. We should preserve civil peace and public order as this is our basic commitment to the country and our children today. More importantly, however, we should build on our achievements, not engage in destruction.
Now I address the protesters. We have already changed Bulgaria. The government did not simply tender its resignation, governments have been brought down in the past and will be brought down again. You have changed the agenda. The institutions have taken the correct action and so have the parties. It is now time to engage in a constructive dialogue, based on the democratic rule of law. Let us join efforts to single out the problems and seek their solution. The Bulgarian people want a change and have clearly formulated their demands to the politicians. However, the agreement on these solutions can be reached only if all sides show a willingness to do so. We must all adopt a responsible approach to resolving the problems.
People expect that institutions and politicians will arrive at real solutions to real problems. They expect them to promptly take specific action and efficient measures. They expect that we will turn our backs to confrontation and start solving the problems. It is impossible to find a prompt solution to all problems. I clearly stated that these problems have long been accumulating over the past years. The government, president, parliament, municipal authorities, parties, should assume clear commitments to resolve the concrete problems. The concrete problems have been singled out. I will mention just a few. Electricity bills, central heating, monopolies, regulators, incomes, employment and others.
People are fighting against the monopolies. They said they were their main enemy. To them, the monopolies are a symbol of behind-the-scene deals and shady deals in the economy and in the system. This is what people are discontent with, dear assembly deputies, they are unhappy about the lack of justice and behind-the-scene deals. That is why I asked all to attend the consultations. That is why I invited the first, second, third political party to take part in the consultative council, to prevent any behind-the-scene deals and thus secure an objective, constructive and frank approach.
After the government suddenly tendered its resignation a couple of days ago, I held consultations promptly, I convened a meeting of the Consultative Council for National Security as well so that we could seek a way to recover from the crisis and preserve civil peace. Democracy provides us with the solution. The solution is to hold elections.
Some expected that the National Assembly would serve its full term in office, and even adopt fundamental reforms and laws, which would considerably change the organization of the democratic institutions. They expected a debate on amendments to the Constitution. However, I believe that a new parliament, elected by the people, enjoying a high degree of legitimacy should make the changes that are important to Bulgaria. The current National Assembly, in the remaining days in office, should focus on the most urgent tasks and commit to taking the most urgent measures and making the most urgent decisions, which would allow it to reduce the electricity prices and improve the social status of the Bulgarian citizens.
It is important that other urgent measures be taken as well, for instance those for preserving the natural resources and not allowing their destruction. I have in mind the dunes, beaches, protected territories. It will be a good idea to adopt the Black Sea Coast Development Act, which was widely debated and on which a broad consensus was reached. During the consultations I also emphasized the importance of the Water Act. The floods that recently struck Bulgaria show that the Water Act should urgently be adopted. Also the package of four laws in the security sector is very important. It can be finalized in the remaining days and it completely meets public demands for transparency, rules, institutional culture and public control over the activities of the agencies.
You should carefully consider the options for making amendments to the State Social Security Act or the State Budget Act for 2013, as well as other possible short-term solutions in regard to the incomes policy and assistance for the neediest.
Given the political deadlock we are facing, the most honest and most responsible approach concerning the citizens is to hold elections. However, we should provide a chance for the elections to be organized well. I cannot allow elections to be held, if the Central Electoral Commission is not ready for them. I am unwilling to have elections held on Palm Sunday or Easter. These are holy Christian holidays which cannot be burdened with political emotions. These Christian holidays should enlighten and unite us, not be an occasion for opposition and division. Therefore, if the third mandate is also declined, the elections will be held on 12 May. This is the first possible date.
Ladies and gentlemen members of parliament,
Although there is a short period of time left, you must put efforts into using every minute and every day and set an agenda that is the citizens’ agenda. We do not expect hasty, rash, declarative measures, called by some populist measures. They will not help the nation and statehood. However, let us launch the initiative to solve the problems raised by the citizens in a rational and responsible manner. What is important in the current situation is that all institutions go on working in a calm manner. The outgoing government will continue performing its tasks and will bear its responsibility until the National Assembly is adjourned, in compliance with the deadlines stipulated in the constitution. The State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission will continue to perform its tasks.
This is what the people want. Work and solving the acute problems. They are waiting to hear a lot of answers. The people must know what they are paying for and why the electricity bills have soared. Checks should be conducted of all companies along the pricing chain of electricity rates; there should be transparency and a new pricing which serves the public interest. An urgent reduction of the electricity price was promised and I thank you for taking the necessary legislative measures to that effect. In the long term, energy liberalization and energy efficiency are the only correct solution for Bulgaria. This is the only way the electricity bills can be considerably reduced.
Hopefully in the remaining days in office, the parliament will use less political tricks and lay the stress on successfully finalizing the important bills. I call on all political parties in the forthcoming election period to do their best to show the same democratic maturity that the public showed and to meet the public’s expectations.
In these days of crisis I called for displaying a responsible attitude more than once. Populism is an easy means to reap short-term, narrow partisan dividends. However, whose interests do these dividends serve – those of the citizens, the nation, or individual parties. The citizens showed us that they expect purposeful efficient solutions which would have a tangible long-term effect. Although the competition between ideas is good, polarization and division have diverted us from the main road more than once. Let us not allow this now.
The accumulated problems will not disappear suddenly and on their own, they will not evaporate if we only speak about them and demonstrate the art of public talk. The solution lies in the hard work done by each of us, step by step, everyday work on the national priorities. We all know very well that the national interest is not an abstract category. It is an emanation of everything that unites us as a nation and everything we want to achieve together. Promoting the national interests is not only the politicians’ vocation, but also their responsibility.
Everyone is aware that general election is forthcoming. This is the basic tool of democracy. The election system may be changed, but elections lie at the heart of democracy. They are the mechanism through which the people can most strongly impact the country’s governance and direct it in a specific direction and clearly tell it which their priorities are.
Today part of the citizens convey the clear message to the politicians that they cannot see who their political representatives are. Let us change this situation, let us open ourselves to the people, let us make the inner-party process more democratic and let us give a large number of members and supporters the chance to directly participate in nominating people for given positions – assembly deputies, municipal councilors, mayors and other elective offices. I am sure this will help.
Everyone pointed out that the deficit of justice is the nation’s main problem. The deficit of justice is the main cause of mistrust. However, trust is not built in a day or two, it takes systematic and consistent actions, because trust means the ability to assume responsibilities and to fulfill commitments and keep promises.
Today Bulgaria has the historical chance to restore public trust and listen to what the Bulgarian people say, to understand the people and make changes, if necessary. After all the citizens are extremely active in their demands, people put forward lots of their demands to the presidential institution every day. People submit requests every minute, present their wishes and ideas and raise problems and seek solutions. This is enormous civic energy which is concentrated in our institution. And I consider all this a firm basis, something we can step on and progress.
Of course, people expect the president to speak the truth, and the truth is that we do not have a magic wand to make people rich. This is achieved through investments, work and production. Achieving prosperity is a long process. I am sure that the Bulgarians understand this, yet they expect a responsible government and progress.
From the very start the 42nd National Assembly will have to resolve the most urgent issues on the public agenda, which are necessary for the long-term development of the country. They involve the anti-trust legislation, the restructuring of the energy industry, the liberalization of the energy market in compliance with European rules that will give companies and people the right and freedom to choose the supplier, the forms of consumer protection.
The problems of young families and youth unemployment should be resolved since it is precisely the young people that Bulgaria will rely on in the following decades. A new message for solidarity between the generations should be conveyed. Infrastructure should be built as this is an extremely responsible and significant mission of the state. More important, however, is what is happening in Bulgarian schools today and what values and skills the children are being taught. Moreover, Bulgaria’s future generation, our children, copy what we do, and look at what we do and how we do it.
We must find the solutions to acute social problems which some groups in Bulgarian society are facing. Measures should be taken to overcome the demographic crisis. And of course a reform in the healthcare sector is to be carried out. We should adopt a responsible approach to this reform and launch it.
Measures should be taken to guarantee an open, free, competitive environment of equal treatment, which is a factor to stimulate investments, secure employment and improve the business environment. This is a task all of us should constantly perform. Measures should be taken to support small and mid-sized businesses. Perhaps a special program should be drafted to this effect. After all, it is such businesses, not politicians that create jobs and secure incomes.
Measures should be taken to achieve energy efficiency, sanitize the buildings, launch an e-government, improve healthcare, raise incomes and secure justice through efficient law administration.
Measures should be taken to protect the strategic Bulgarian interest within the framework of the European agenda.
These are some of the big problems that should be solved which we are currently facing. We are assuming clear commitments in the election campaign. You should give people realistic promises and keep them. As simple as that. This will win great trust. The people that will enter the next parliament and government will determine whether the protesters’ expectations will not have been in vain. These people will be able to avoid tension in the future. Let us change. Let us adapt to the new conditions. Let the next National Assembly set an example of transparency and predictability. If you are willing to amend a law, you should give grounded duly reasons in public and submit an impact assessment report, as the rules stipulate, not make last-minute amendments. This is annoying. The assembly deputies do not solve the problems that some influential circle is facing, they solve systemic problems of the state and nation.
The citizens have questioned the politicians’ resolve to fight corruption. We have amended laws and conducted reforms quite a lot of times and it has become clear that this is not sufficient. Morality is needed, as well as an e-government. Everyone in the state is willing to have an e-government. I promise to launch it during my presidential term. I would like to thank all who have done their best so far, but efforts must be put into launching an e-government. It must start efficiently functioning. Once it starts functioning efficiently, the citizens will no longer queue in front of pay desks or pay bribes, and people will not have to knock on bureaucracy’s door and beg for services. This will create the opportunity for introducing electronic vote. Then we will not speak of dead souls listed in the election rolls, because the Bulgarians living abroad will be able to vote no matter where they are in the world. It is our duty to guarantee them this right. They are not dead souls, they are global Bulgarians who have their own opinion and may be useful to their homeland.
A caretaker government will soon be formed and it should take on its responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition to the next government. Europe is also suffering for a fifth year in a row the gravest economic and financial crisis since the union was created. In many countries this crisis escalated into a social and political one. Bulgaria has the necessary capacity, maturity and will to overcome the present hardships in a democratic and peaceful manner. The caretaker government will fulfill its commitments to manage the country in a transition period. The institutions will be functioning in a calm manner. The stability and normal functioning of all systems in the state will be guaranteed. The civic energy and the political will with which the caretaker government will start its mandate are a resource which will hopefully create conditions for development.
The caretaker government will organize in a responsible and fair manner the next elections. A Civil Council for Free and Fair elections will be set up at the prime minister of the caretaker government, and expanded missions from PACE and OSCE will be invited to monitor the elections, on which we all agreed. The caretaker government will guarantee the functioning of the institutions. The caretaker government will manage the state responsibly, abiding by the laws. It will naturally guarantee expertise and professionalism in state governance, not promote partisan interests. The key word for this period is stability!
Therefore from the parliamentary rostrum I call on all state institutions to continue fulfilling their commitments, show initiative and confidently establish and perform their powers in the interest of statehood and the citizens.
Europe has not stopped working and will not wait for us to catch up. In this period the European Union will make essential decisions for its development and Bulgaria will take part in the decision making. Much work is yet to be done with regard to the EU fund management. These funds should be absorbed at the high rate that has already been set.
The caretaker government will play a crucial role in the drafting of the Agreement for partnership with the European Commission in the period between 2014 and 2020. We will focus our attention on the small and medium-sized enterprises and their needs. We will speed up the development and debate on the National plan for the introduction of an e-government, which should encompass all services rendered at the national and municipal level and the specific deadlines for their introduction.
Pensions will be increased as of 1 April, as planned. The state budget will be strictly implemented and all targets will be met.
Dear compatriots,
Esteemed ladies and gentlemen members of parliament,
With more confidence, diligence, trust and self-esteem we have taken the correct path and will go through this hard period. Let us find the new drivers of the positive change and the catalysts for our self-confidence. Let us launch specific projects and continue unleashing the potential for development.
We have experienced crises in our modern history. Economic, financial, parliamentary and political crises have happened before and will happen again. There have been various crises and there will certainly be such in the future. We have created our own problems in Bulgaria and we are to resolve them on our own. The recovery from the crisis requires the collective effort of all. We are all in the same boat – protesters, parties and the state. Therefore the time has come for us to take wise and responsible actions. If we manage to overcome this crisis in a worthy manner, we will all gain much and strengthen the democratic foundations of the state and consolidate as a society.
If everyone decides to take solo action, as a wise bishop remarked yesterday, we will not make a choir. There is no choir made up of soloists only! Neither is there a state made up of individuals and independent agents! Governments come and go, but the state is there to last for more than a single day. Governments and parties can take solo actions, as this is their responsibility, yet I hope, and call on everyone to take concerted action when we address the problems of statehood and the nation! The difficulties we are facing require that we all adopt a nationally responsible approach.
Thank you for your attention.