LIVE: President Radev’s First Address to New Lawmakers

Politics » DOMESTIC | April 15, 2021, Thursday // 10:36
Bulgaria: LIVE: President Radev’s First Address to New Lawmakers video caption

President Rumen Radev made his first address to the newly elected Members of Parliament from the grandstand of the 45th National Assembly:

For many of you here, this is the first elected office. You will always find someone who will rebuke you for your lack of experience. I have heard it at the beginning, I hear it now," the head of state said.

In politics, some call experience” their sins and the art of getting away unpunished.

The legal nihilism of the 44th National Assembly has reached its apogee in  a new Constitution.

I often exercised my right of veto, but rarely did my arguments have a healing effect. A presidential veto is not an act of war with parliament, but an instrument for improving laws. You have the mission to revive the spirit of parliamentarism. The first test will be restoring real parliamentary control over the executive branch, the president was adamant.

 "It is time!"

This was one of the headlines announced by President Rumen Radev in his address to MPs in the 45th parliament.

He asked the new deputies to reform the election laws, which would include 100% machine voting, video surveillance, clarification of the work of the election administration, more voting stations abroad, remote voting from abroad - first by mail and then electronically.

The head of the state announced that long-awaited changes are needed to achieve the most important goal - strengthening statehood, dismantling the current ruling model which was rejected by the voters on the last elections, rule of law, fight against corruption and others.

Rumen Radev spoke about a new type of government, which is a synthesis of integrity and competence, morality and professionalism of the government, which "we all expect you will constitute as soon as possible."

The president demanded changes from the deputies for protection of civil rights, effective justice, responsible and respectful prosecution office, separation of powers, uncompromising prosecution of corruption and others.

 He called for transparency and accountability of the government - more tangible control over the expenditures of the administration and the waste of the budget surplus, as well as for free media and transparency of media ownership.

 "The Previous National Assembly did isolate the journalists, and I hope you will correct this mistake," he said.

According to the President, the goal is one - European Bulgaria.

 Before handing over the first mandate for forming a government, Rumen Radev will hold consultations with political forces on Monday.

"A coalition without common principles can only deepen the crisis. When everyone is in power, the people are in opposition," he said.

 Finally, he said that the parliament is fragmented, but his “life” depends on the MPs, and he is ready for an official cabinet, which will step in case political parties fail to form regular government.

 According to the president, the first real test for the new parliament is to introduce real control over the government.

 He said the presidential veto was not an act of war with parliament, but an instrument for improving laws.

 "No one can exchange, sell or rent you out as MPs, nor force your vote. You carry the free will and trust of thousands of voters, not the party leader. No one has the right to disrespect your personal dignity unless you allow it. ", he said. Finally, he wished the deputies justful laws and valiant service to Bulgaria.

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Tags: Rumen Radev, new parliament, first address

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