„We must have an election campaign of ideas and principles for Bulgaria’s exit from the deep crisis and a vision for the future development of the country, and not a campaign of compromising information. So far, only a compromising campaign is emerging, which is not good.”
This was answered by President Rumen Radev to journalistic questions in Pleven, where he participated in the celebration of the Day of the Vine-Grower and the feast of St. Trifon’s Day. Asked about the political processes before the parliamentary elections, he pointed out that if he has to answer in the context of today’s holiday, as the vineyard does not need prayers, but a hoe, so the political situation in our country is the same.
„We need to cleverly“cut“the Bulgarian vineyard so as to give a chance to the best shoots and cut the excess ones if we want to have fruit.“, Radev said.
For the pre-election coalitions, the head of state thinks that we need to think about who will be the best „blend“ in order to give a really good result. He noted that it seems that after the vote for the National Assembly, a rather fragmented parliament is emerging.
„Whether this is good or bad will show the elections and the wisdom of those parties that enter parliament so that the national interest is defended.“
Asked about yesterday’s call by the Prime Minister not to involve children in the election campaign, Radev said it was a „theater for the naive“. He noted that he knew very well where the attacks on him and his family came from, adding that he did not accept his relatives being persecuted in a political battle.
„The protests of Bulgarians are a natural result of the policy and actions of the Prime Minister. Bulgarians have been protesting under the windows of the Council of Ministers for months, but no one has been there.„, Radev commented.
The Head of State said that huge funds are being distributed „from the TV“ to deal with the economic consequences of the current coronavirus crisis, but there are definitely disadvantaged people.
„The money does not reach the disadvantaged people, and mass bankruptcies happen, as well as the desolation of Bulgarians.“, Radev said, adding that at the beginning of the crisis he called on politicians not to pretend to be doctors and vice versa.
On the occasion of the holiday today, the President commented that Trifon Zarezan combines respect for the work of vine growers and hope for a healthy, fruitful year and prosperity for all Bulgarians. He expressed gratitude to the team of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology and noted that its early establishment in 1902, the long-term work of its specialists and their high professionalism are a cause for national pride. He awarded him an honorary plaque „St. St. Cyril and Methodius”of the President. The award was presented for the key role of the institute in the training of generations of scientists in the field of viticulture and winemaking, for its overall contribution to the preservation of traditional and the creation of new varieties and hybrids of vineyards.
The Head of State and the scientists discussed the current challenges for the wine production in our country. The experts acquainted the President with the advantages of the Bulgarian dessert grape varieties and the typical for the region harvests. Radev pointed out that an effective state policy, incentives and mechanisms are needed for the revival and establishment of traditional Bulgarian productions.
Later, the President will examine the works at the “Svetlin Rusev” Art Gallery in Pleven, where he will talk to prominent artists and public figures from the city.
