The public energy today is creative and should not be wasted but devoted to effecting a positive change, to coming up with solutions and taking actions to the benefit of society. This is the politicians’ responsibility and the role of the ESC and of the National Council for trilateral cooperation, is very important in this respect, President Rosen Plevneliev said today. He attended the European civil debate titled: “Stronger Europe for Citizens,” held in Sofia on the occasion of the 10th anniversary since the establishment of the Economic and Social Council.
The Head of State defined the ESC as a platform for holding a civil dialogue in the country and an irreplaceable partner of state institutions in shaping the policies on the social and economic development. “The establishment of strong civil organizations should be supported – as a corrective and partner because the country’s future lies in the EU and in the shared responsibility of politicians and citizens,” Rosen Plevneliev said before the participants in the forum.
“In the past years we have seen waves of spontaneous civil protests, of mounting social tension and of record low levels of trust not only in the institutions and politicians in Bulgaria, but also in the European Union and in world institutions. The role of the civil society is becoming more important – it demands a change of the institutions’ agenda and expects to see transparency and predictability in governance, accountability, stable institutions, open to the citizens and effectively solving the social and economic problems,” President Rosen Plevneliev said. The Head of State emphasized that today a constructive social and civil dialogue and a dialogue between the institutions and the public are more necessary than ever.
The President highlighted the historical role of the civil society in the establishment of a peaceful, prospering and democratic Europe. “Bulgaria firmly supports a strong, united and integrated European Union, a Europe of the strong civil society and active citizens,” Rosen Plevneliev emphasized. The President called on for the development of a culture of pluralism as a basic element of democracy and for showing tolerance to the different viewpoints.
According to the Head of State, Bulgaria’s EU membership is one of the achievements the Bulgarian politicians and the civil society in this country can take pride in. “I call on everyone of us to continue our joint efforts in building our common European House, so that we can be proud of our achievements,” Rosen Plevneliev further said.
The Civil debate was attended by President (2002-2012) Georgi Purvanov, Aliosman Imamov, deputy-speaker of the National Assembly, professor Lalko Dulevski, chief of the Economic and Social Council, Henri Malosse, president of the European Economic and Social Committee, Assembly deputies, representatives of the executive branch of power, of labor unions and employer organizations.
Later on President Rosen Plevneliev held talks with Henri Malosse, president of the European Economic and Social Committee, at 2 Dondukov street. The two unanimously agreed that in order to effect a positive change in Europe, efforts should be pooled to secure more integration and enhance civil society. They voiced concerns over the growing populism ahead of the European elections in 2014. According to the Head of State, the pro-European forces should work together to counteract such a trend and Bulgaria may be a strong ally in the efforts to ensure a stronger Europe.
During the talks it was further highlighted that the European states should work together focusing on the development of the regions in the interest of the citizens, on encouraging investments in local business, on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, innovations, education. In Henri Malosse’s words, this is what gives the people in the poorer regions hope and efforts should be pooled to this effect.
Although Bulgaria’s progress in the past 15 years is apparent, we can do more. We should continue carrying out the big reforms, without any hesitation or change of course, the Head of State commented. He reiterated his idea for ensuring continuity in the key priorities for our country, irrespective of which government is in office.