Rumen Radev won a convincing victory at the presidential runoff. That is why high hopes are attached to his second term of office. Moreover, a caretaker cabinet has been in charge of Bulgaria’s government over the last months, which is a proof that the presidential institution does not have a ceremonial role only. Now, Rumen Radev will face much more challenges. Bulgaria’s society has been trying to find the answer to the question: Who will come after Boyko Borissov? The answer is Radev, Parvan Simeonov, Executive Director of Gallup International sociological agency, said in an interview for the BNR. In his words, a type of political network has already been built around this country’s head of state, which consists of at least three parties – The Bulgarian Socialist Party, “There is Such a People” (ITN) and “We Continue the Change”. Networks, not hierarchies and monolithic structures are the future of Bulgaria’s politics, but building such networks is a form of political art and this country’s President masters this art well”, Parvan Simeonov added.

In their second term of office until 2026, President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Yotova will have to continue counterpoising the crises that await Bulgaria. “The new Parliament has no right to make mistakes or delays, because people will not forgive”, President Radev said in his first statement after the announcement of the election results.

Along with the situation in Bulgaria, Rumen Radev and Iliana Yotova must pay big attention to the Bulgarian communities abroad, which also supported them at the presidential elections.

Elena Kalaydzhieva who lives in Munich, Germany, clearly states the main qualities any president must possess:

“The president must possess qualities such as integrity and consistency. In terms of foreign policy, the president must take positions that are in line with the international law and the European values. Regarding our domestic policy, the president should be able to identify the priorities of the civil society and defend them via the available mechanisms.”

Rudolph Efremov has been living and working in Paris for 11 years now. Like many other Bulgarians, he follows closely the political developments in his home country. In his words, the president played a key role during the past 6 months marked by political uncertainty, as he bore the whole responsibility for the country’s government.

“If the political parties manage to form a regular cabinet, I hope that the president will again take up the functions of a person who does not concentrate power.” In Rudolph Efremov’s view, the policies conducted by Vice President Iliana Yotova can further develop:

“Bulgarians abroad are an intellectual and cultural treasure and Bulgaria will benefit from the opportunity to establish strong connection with the people who temporarily or permanently leave the country. It would be great if Bulgaria establishes connections with universities and libraries abroad and boosts cultural ties.”

Bulgarians living in Reading, UK, also came up with ideas regarding the future work of this country’s vice-president. Here is what Victoria Vlahovska, principal of a Bulgarian school in Reading said for Radio Bulgaria:

“Our goal is to help our fellow citizens in Bulgaria understand our care for Bulgaria. This country’s president and vice president should set up more working groups aimed at exchanging experience or supporting young talents. We can use the achievements of a series of organizations recognized worldwide. Many Bulgarian talents work in international companies. We have plenty of ideas for the development of Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad.”

Victoria also wants to learn the answer of the question- what are the president’s and the vice president’s future plans for Bulgarians abroad, whose number is approaching 2 million.

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev

English version: Kostadin Atanasov