A Nation on the Brink: Calls for Radical Change in Bulgaria
Ivo Hristov, former MEP and head of President Rumen Radev’s office, paints a stark picture of Bulgaria’s current state. He believes the mechanisms of the state have effectively ceased to function and a radical restructuring is urgently required.
“It is surprising to me that both the citizens and the political class refuse to state the obvious – that the mechanisms of the state no longer work,” Hristov remarked. “After so many fruitless elections in a row, we should finally stop stumbling in the same place and take a step aside, look at the situation, and make adequate decisions.”
He argues for a constitutional reform towards a presidential republic, citing the looming stagnation and social crisis as imminent threats. “At the moment, the situation is stagnant, the social crisis is growing, there is an obvious problem with security, and too many problems are accumulating in order to avoid the explosion and outpouring of anger on the street, which will probably happen in the coming months,” predicts Hristov.
Trust Wanes: The President Remains a Beacon of Hope
In the midst of widespread disillusionment, Hristov sees the president as the sole remaining point of trust in Bulgaria’s political landscape. “We see that the dialogue between the parties is broken, and the Bulgarian parliament not only does not fulfill its functions, but drags society down with the morals it demonstrates in front of the citizens, with the language that pours from the rostrum, and with the absence of any principles in the agreements, with the breaking of the basic value logic and orientations of the society,” commented Hristov.
“They are shattering the cup of trust with their behavior. This is not the way to represent the Bulgarian people. They are failing to grasp the urgency of the situation,” he added, expressing deep concern over the actions and rhetoric of the current political elite.
A Fractured Political System: Repercussions of Endless Elections
According to Hristov, the upcoming eighth consecutive early elections offer little hope for meaningful change. Instead, he predicts the parties will emerge even weaker and further discredited, further exacerbating the existing crisis.
“The bad thing is that when the social contract is broken to such an extent, reforming the system becomes impossible, because in order to reform a failed system, decisions must be made within the mechanisms of that system. But they no longer function. It will most likely happen due to natural pressure – through pressure from the street or through circumstances external to Bulgaria,” Hristov believes.
The Need for Left Wing Renewal: Beyond Mechanical Unification
“The attempt to unify the left is a positive sign for left voters. Revival comes through the unification. But at the moment, we have rather a mechanical unification of several elements of the once powerful BSP, and this does not give a satisfactory result. An ideological and personnel renewal is necessary,” Hristov stated, advocating for a more profound transformation within left-wing politics in Bulgaria.
How does Ivo Hristov view President Radev’s role in Bulgaria’s current political climate?
## A Nation on the Brink: Interview with Ivo Hristov
**Host:** Bulgaria is facing another election cycle, its third in the last two years. Former MEP Ivo Hristov, Head of President Rumen Radev’s office and a prominent voice in the country’s political scene, paints a stark picture of Bulgaria’s current state. Mr Hristov, thank you for joining us today.
**Hristov:** It’s my pleasure.
**Host:** You’ve been vocal about the need for radical change in Bulgaria. You believe the country is at a critical juncture. Can you elaborate on this?
**Hristov:** Let’s be frank, the current system is failing. The mechanisms of the Bulgarian state are not functioning. We have had numerous fruitless elections, highlighting a deep dysfunction within our political system [[1](https://balkaninsight.com/2024/09/09/bulgarias-protracted-political-crisis-between-electoral-roulette-and-voter-fatigue/). It’s astonishing that both citizens and politicians are reluctant to admit this obvious truth. We need to step back, analyze the situation objectively and make decisive choices for the future of our nation.
**Host:** You argue for constitutional reform, specifically a shift towards a presidential republic. What are the reasons behind this proposal?
**Hristov:** The current situation in Bulgaria is characterized by stagnation and a brewing social crisis. We are witnessing a breakdown in security and an accumulation of problems that threaten to erupt into social unrest. A presidential republic could provide the necessary stability and leadership to navigate these turbulent times.
**Host:** Confidence in Bulgaria’s political institutions seems to be waning. How does President Radev fit into this picture?
**Hristov:** I believe President Radev remains a beacon of hope in these troubling times. Dialogue between political parties has collapsed, and the Bulgarian parliament is failing to fulfill its responsibilities. In this chaotic landscape, President Radev stands as a figure of trust and a potential catalyst for positive change.
**Host:** Mr. Hristov, thank you for sharing your insights on this issue. It’s clear that Bulgaria faces significant challenges, but your perspective offers a glimmer of hope for a more decisive and prosperous future.