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 would Ivo Hristov respond to criticisms that his proposed shift to a presidential republic is too radical?
## Interview: Bulgaria on the Brink
**Interviewer:** “Ivo Hristov, thank you for joining us today. Your recent comments about the state of Bulgarian politics have been making headlines. You describe a nation on the brink, with state mechanisms stalled and a looming social crisis. Can you elaborate on this?”
**Ivo Hristov:** “The situation is indeed severe. After countless elections yielding no stable government, it’s clear that the current system isn’t working. We’re stuck in a cycle of political turmoil, while crucial issues like social welfare, security, and economic stability are neglected. The fabric of our society is fraying, and the frustration among citizens is growing [1].”
**Interviewer:** “You advocate for radical change, even suggesting a shift towards a presidential republic. What prompts such a drastic proposal?”
**Ivo Hristov:** “The current parliamentary system has demonstrably failed. The dialog between parties has broken down, and the parliament is mired in inaction. A presidential system could provide the necessary stability and decisiveness to implement meaningful reforms and address the pressing issues facing Bulgaria” [1].
**Interviewer:** “Some argue that your proposed changes are too sweeping. How would you respond to those who fear such a radical restructuring?”
**Ivo Hristov:** “I understand the concerns, but the alternative is unthinkable. Continuing down the current path leads only to further stagnation and ultimately, social unrest. We need a bold vision for the future, a system that empowers leaders to act decisively and address the needs of the people. [1]”
**Interviewer:** “Lastly, amidst this political uncertainty, where do you see hope for the Bulgarian people? “
**Ivo Hristov:** ”In President Radev. He remains a beacon of trust and stability during this turbulent time. His commitment to dialog and his dedication to serving the citizens give me hope that we can navigate this crisis and emerge stronger. [1].
**Interviewer:** “Ivo Hristov, thank you for your time and your insights.”
[[[[[1](https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria-parliament-government-denkov-gabriel-corruption-reform-035a8cef395eca4c2a5a0443c12534ea)]
