SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS

New Year address of the Head of State

Dear Compatriots,

We are minutes away from the end of a year filled with crises and challenges. A year that has tested not only our economic and social stability, but also the ability of our politicians to reach consensus and stand alongside citizens in our common path forward.

A nextdoor war that has devastated Europe has broken out and continues to rage and intensify. The energy crisis and record-high inflation have hit every Bulgarian home. Natural calamities and the successive snap elections have not passed us by this year either, and hope for political stability is being postponed until next year.

But it was in the moments of trial, when human life and our conscience were at stake, that our society showed empathy and spiritual strength, maturity and unity. To give us back the faith that Bulgaria will survive. Institutions and citizens lent a helping hand to shelter those seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine, to put out summer fires and help the victims of the flood in Karlovo, to find the lost Alexandar, to support the cause of the health of Bulgarian children.

So on this solemn night, let us not forget that salvation is not at the bottom of the cups. Success is not the lucky coin in the pie. The future lies in our united efforts, in the responsible position of each of us in every life and political choice.

There are no unattainable goals where civic energy is invested not for the salvation of the individual but for the rise of the whole nation. Where everyone can be proud to be part of the common success. Thank you to everyone who fought for a better Bulgaria over the past year.

Because no one from the outside will care about our progress, our dignity and place under the sun, the future of our homeland and the children of Bulgaria. This is our concern, responsibility and moral duty.

I very much hope that in the new year the priorities of the Bulgarian Parliament will coincide with those of the citizens, and the political parties will assume their responsibility for the long-term sustainable development of Bulgaria. Until the formation of a regular government, the caretaker cabinet will continue to fulfil its duty to curb the energy crisis and inflation, to guarantee the security of the Bulgarians, and for the modernisation and European integration of our country.

Dear Compatriots,

We are just seconds away from the New Year 2023. Let us wish it to bring peace. Let us meet it with faith in ourselves and hope for the future. Let us overcome apathy and division, because only united, with the strength and talent of the whole nation, can we build the Bulgaria that our children will be proud of.

As we raise our glasses, let us thank all our family and friends for their love and support. Let us pay tribute to those who are at work and at their post on this festive night. Let us also wish a successful year to our compatriots in all parts of the world.

May the New Year cross the threshold of our homes with health, love and prosperity!

Happy New Year 2023 to all of us!