site.btaPresident Plevneliev: Society Expects Reforms in 2015

President Plevneliev:
Society Expects Reforms
in 2015


Sofia, January 1 (BTA) - In his New Year's address to the
nation, President Rosen Plevneliev said there is public support
and expectations for reforms.

The President recalled that the outgoing year was marked by
political instability, early elections, ongoing internal and
international crises, severe disasters and accidents. "But we
were not indifferent to the plight of our fellow countrymen.
People spared from the little they have in solidarity with those
in distress, the poor and the refugees," said Plevneliev, adding
that a helping hand at a difficult time is a measure for
society's humanity and maturity. The President went on to say
that volunteers became a symbol of the compassion and empathy of
the Bulgarian people and showed the strength of the nation's
unity.

"In difficult times for the nation, it is crucial to rest on the
sound foundations of patriotism, morals, spirituality and
traditions and care for the individual, because what matters is
his triumph and not that of parties and personalities,"
Plevneliev said.

The President stressed that the elderly with small pensions, the
disadvantaged, the hundreds of thousands of unemployed
deservedly expect solidarity and support from the state.

"Without measures to improve the business environment, to
promote investments, entrepreneurship, education, modernization
and efficiency and without efficient management of public
resources we'll lag further behind," said the President.

He emphasized that the current public expectations are for
stability, statehood and prospects. "We want democracy, the rule
of law and rules for everybody. But in order to press ahead, we
need working institutions. In order to have growth, just
pensions and incomes, a socially responsible economy, and
efficient institutions, it takes political courage for reforms.
Reluctance to carry out reforms and revanchism are the shortest
road to a lasting instability. The last two years which saw the
change of five governments and three legislatures prove that.
Let politicians show common sense and a nationally responsible
approach and fulfill public expectations for stability and
development," urged the President.

"May the New Year be better for everyone and may people feel a
change for the better. There is public support and expectations
for reforms. We've achieved a lot. Democracy, freedom, EU and
NATO integration are indispensable gains for the Bulgarians but
they bring responsibilities too. The EU membership is not
measured in EU finds only but above all in shared values for the
rule of law and human rights," said the head of State.

"We are seeing in the New Year with hope. May all of us be
healthy, live and succeed together, and fulfil our dreams, Let's
warm the hearts of those who need help and support. May the New
Year bring our fellow countrymen across the world peace, love
and prosperity," said President Plevneliev in his New Year's
address. PK/PP

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