site.btaNewly-elected Ombudsman Manolova Takes Office

Newly-elected Ombudsman Manolova Takes Office

Sofia, October 20 (BTA) -Newly-elected National Ombudsman Maya Manolova Tuesday took over the post from outgoing Ombudsman Konstantin Penchev. "The Ombudsman is the last hope for justice of the ordinary Bulgarian - it is with this notion that I take over the post," Manolova said.

She said she is honoured to be the third Ombudsman of Bulgaria, after Ginyo Ganev who laid the foundations of the institution, and Penchev who developed it and lent it solidity, significance and honour. Manolova said she has the huge resource of people's trust.

Penchev said that for more than ten years now Ganev and he have tried to prove that the institution of the ombudsman is worthwhile. Penchev said his successor will finish the efforts for establishing the authority of the post. He said that the budget of the institution has been cut back "because not everyone in Parliament wants a strong ombudsman," but noted that the people working in the institution have a mission.

During the official handover ceremony a protest rally was held outside against Manolova's election to the post.