Mayor Vasil Terziev Reflects on His First Year: Magic Wands Not Included!
Well, well! Grab your popcorn, folks, because the mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, has made a grand entrance into his first year of office, and he’s not holding back. On a recent episode of “Wake Up”—which sounds far more energetic than my morning routine—he declared himself “extremely pleased” with the progress. But, let’s face it, when you start your term under pressure and with ultimatums, the best you can hope for is ‘pleased’ rather than ‘ecstatic’!
Sofia: Not on Standstill, But Are We in Motion?
According to Terziev, Sofia isn’t just standing still; it’s actively working on challenges that have been lingering like bad cologne for 40 years. “I’m not a magician,” he stated. Well, maybe not a magician, but a bit of Houdini wouldn’t hurt when it comes to making those age-old issues vanish. Perhaps he can conjure up a rabbit or two while he’s at it!
Traffic Troubles: A Growing Challenge
As the master of traffic jams, Terziev is all too aware of the chaotic symphony playing out on Sofia’s roads. With the completion of the ring infrastructure projected to take another five or six years, we can only assume he’s already got his GPS set to ‘Survival Mode.’ He acknowledged, “The biggest challenge is the growing number of cars.” Well, that’s one way to put it! Perhaps we should have an Olympic event for navigating Sofia traffic or at least a reality TV show—it could be a hit!
January 3: A Day Off for Everyone? Yes, Please!
In response to the ongoing debate about declaring January 3 a school-free day, Terziev promised that the kids “will study so as not to create tension on the subject.” Kids in the capital have heard this and are probably planning a celebration, complete with confetti and lemonade stands. Meanwhile, parents everywhere are just trying to survive until spring break!
Green Zone Goals: Less Concrete, More Nature
Terziev is also considering the creation of a Green Zone in the “Studentski Grad” district. Ah, yes, nothing says “urban paradise” like greenery amidst concrete! It’s almost like saying, “Here’s a beautiful salad to go with that hamburger of a city!” And let’s not forget his take on tree cutting during renovations, where he assures us that for every tree chopped down, several new ones will be planted. So, if you see a tree in Sofia waving goodbye, just remember its leafy successors are waiting in the wings!
Standing by His Team: Loyalty or Lunacy?
Terziev firmly supports his team’s decisions, notably the chief architect who’s been criticized for the “spontaneous reconstruction of the capital.” He’s put forth the idea that when a building has the legal thumbs up, there are really only two choices: follow the law or create administrative chaos. It sounds like a tough balancing act—kind of like standing on a unicycle while juggling flaming torches! Not for the faint-hearted or uncoordinated!
The mayor’s approach can be seen as refreshing or reckless, depending on who you ask. But hey, at the end of the day, he’s keeping the people engaged, and isn’t that what politics is all about? He makes it clear that as long as he has his team, he’ll be a supportive captain on this sometimes rocky ship of state.
So, what’s next for Mayor Terziev? Will he pull a rabbit out of a hat, tame that burgeoning traffic beast, or simply declare a national holiday every time he feels the pressure mounting? One thing’s for certain—he’s taking his first year very seriously (and with a dash of wit). Until next time, Sofia!
Be sure to watch the entire enlightening conversation in the video.
Editor: Kalina Petkova
The mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, expressed profound satisfaction with his first year in office during an interview on the program “Wake Up.” He emphasized that the city has not remained stagnant, despite facing significant pressures and ultimatums from the very start of his term. “We are actively addressing the numerous challenges that have been identified, but it’s important to acknowledge that solving issues that have persisted for 40 years is no simple feat. I’m not a magician,” he quipped, highlighting the complexity of the tasks ahead.
Terziev reported on his first year as mayor of Sofia: We are not sinless, but we are real
He pointed out that until the completion of Sofia’s ring road infrastructure, traffic congestion around the metro area will continue to escalate and pose significant difficulties for residents. This critical development is projected to take about 5-6 years to finalize. “The biggest challenge we face remains the increasing number of vehicles on our roads,” the mayor stated firmly.
On the subject of school days, Terziev announced his intention to declare January 3 a non-school day. He assured that this decision has been carefully considered to ensure it does not create any undue tension among students and parents within the Capital Municipality.
Furthermore, the mayor revealed discussions are underway to establish a Green Zone in the “Studentski Grad” district. This initiative aims to enhance the environmental quality of the area and promote greener living spaces for residents.
The mayor of Sofia will propose that January 3 be declared non-school day
Addressing concerns about tree removal during urban renovations, Terziev reiterated his commitment to sustainable practices by stating that for every tree cut down, several new ones are planted in its place. He underscored that this approach is part of a responsible environmental strategy.
“I stand behind the decisions of all the people on my team. As long as they are in it, I will continue to support them,” Terziev affirmed. This statement came in response to criticisms directed at Sofia’s chief architect, who has faced accusations of “spontaneous reconstruction of the capital.” The mayor clarified that when a construction project meets all legal requirements, stakeholders have two options: adhere to the law or resort to administrative measures to contest the reconstruction. He noted that the city’s development processes have not been executed properly for years.
Watch the whole conversation in the video.
Editor: Kalina Petkova
What specific traffic management strategies does Mayor Terziev plan to implement to address congestion in Sofia?
**Interview with Mayor Vasil Terziev: A Year of Challenges, Wit, and Vision for Sofia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Terziev. It’s been quite a first year for you. How do you feel about the progress Sofia has made?
**Mayor Terziev:** Thank you for having me! Honestly, I’m extremely pleased with our progress. Starting my term under such pressure and with ultimatums was no small feat, but we’ve rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Sofia is definitely not on standstill; we’re actively tackling issues that have lingered for decades.
**Editor:** You mentioned the historical challenges facing the city. What are your thoughts on addressing these long-standing issues?
**Mayor Terziev:** As I said, I’m not a magician. Some of these problems have been around for 40 years, and while I wish I could wave a wand, it’s not that simple. However, I’m dedicated to making real changes. We have to take practical steps forward.
**Editor:** Traffic in Sofia is a frequent complaint among residents. What plans do you have to manage this growing challenge?
**Mayor Terziev:** Traffic is indeed a significant issue. We expect the completion of the ring infrastructure in the next five to six years. Until then, we’ll continue to face heavy congestion, especially with the rising number of cars. We’re exploring creative solutions, like improving public transportation, to ease this burden.
**Editor:** Speaking of easing burdens, there’s been a discussion about declaring January 3 a school-free day. What’s your stance on this?
**Mayor Terziev:** I appreciate that parents and kids are eager for a break! We aim to ensure that whatever decision we make will reduce stress for families. The goal is for students to continue learning while keeping the atmosphere manageable and enjoyable.
**Editor:** There’s also talk about creating a Green Zone in the “Studentski Grad” district. How important is urban greenery to your vision for Sofia?
**Mayor Terziev:** Very important! We need to balance our concrete city with more green spaces. It’s essential for the well-being of our citizens, and I assure you, for every tree removed during renovations, we plan to plant multiple new ones. We want Sofia to be a vibrant urban paradise.
**Editor:** On a different note, you’ve shown strong support for your team and the city’s chief architect, despite criticism. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Mayor Terziev:** I believe in supporting my team and the decisions they make as long as they are within the law. It’s a delicate balance, and yes, it feels like juggling sometimes! But cohesion and trust are what will drive our success in these complex undertakings.
**Editor:** As we close, what’s next for you and Sofia in the coming year?
**Mayor Terziev:** We’re committed to making tangible progress and engaging with residents continuously. My focus is on a collaborative approach to solve Sofia’s challenges—there will be no magic tricks, just hard work and dedication. Here’s to a productive year ahead!
**Editor:** Thank you, Mayor Terziev. We look forward to seeing your plans unfold!
**Mayor Terziev:** Thank you, and thank you to everyone in Sofia for their support. Let’s make our city even better together!
