“It is for the first time that we are celebrating Labour Day in a state of emergency. For the first time, many will be celebrating separated from their friends and colleagues. I would like to use this occasion to express my deepest gratitude to all poor and wealthy people, workers of physical and mental labor, and to all of those who with hard work and dedication protect and continue to further build up our country”.
This is how the Bulgarian President Rumen Radev addressed the nation in a statement on the International Workers’ Day – May 1. President Radev added that the holiday should serve as a reminder of the power of solidarity and that people should use it as a means to overcome the temptation of selfishness.
“Labour Day is not a gift, it is an achievement,” stated the President, adding that the achievements of the nation have come as a result of strong will for dignified living and courage to work hard for it.
What did the President say?
“Dear fellow Bulgarians,
Today, the world celebrates the International Labour Day – a day of unity and solidarity.
Labour Day is not a gift, it is an achievement of the working people. The five-day workweek together with all social benefits such as paid leaves and maternity coverages we inherited from the previous century come as a result of strong will for dignified living and courage to work hard for it.
The socio-economical transition of the country left our society divided into a handful of wealthy and a majority of poor people. Hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians are forced into working abroad to provide for their families. Last year we were unfortunate to lose 89 Bulgarians in work accidents – one of the grimmest statistics in the European Union. The working standards in many Bulgarian companies remain low. The remuneration in many sectors and industries remains shockingly low as well. Some may argue that this is a pessimistic look at the situation in the country but you – the millions of hardworking people, know that it is the bitter truth.
In today’s reality, many people have forgotten the power of solidarity. The once protesting hands now hold smartphones and share their disapproval on social networks. This won’t change our society.
Coronavirus paralyzed much of the economic activity in the country and many people lost their jobs. The lack of proper support for workers and businesses reduces people’s trust in the state. The refusal of the government to provide transparency and accountability in how public money is spent is an insult to worker’s labor used to pay taxes and pay out colossal international debts.
It is for the first time that we are celebrating Labour Day in a state of emergency. For the first time, many will be celebrating separated from their friends and colleagues. I would like to use this occasion to express my deepest gratitude to all poor and wealthy people, workers of physical and mental labor, and to all of those who with hard work and dedication protect and continue to further build up our country.
Such difficult times should serve as a reminder of the power of solidarity and should guide us in overcoming the temptations of selfishness. The misfortune we are facing should be overcome collectively. Each one of you possesses special skills and talents and the right of labor is our way of achieving our fateful mission here on Earth. Our labor is not just a means of providing, it is our hope to build a better future for all of us.
Happy Labour Day!
Happy First of May, my dear fellow Bulgarians.“
