Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev visited a civic education class of twelfth graders from the First English Language High School, where he spoke to students about the role of education, personal choice and responsibility in public life. The visit took place in the building of the high school, which is also the school where Terziev completed his secondary education.
The conversation covered topics such as entrepreneurship in Bulgaria, the transition from business to politics, the meaning of success and team building. The students asked questions about the way political debate is conducted, about alienation and the negative tone in the public space, as well as how young people can be active and engaged citizens. The discussion focused on the need for critical thinking, reasoned conversation and long-term policies that are not based on seeking a quick effect, but on taking real responsibility. “The most important thing that the school should give is critical thinking – to read, to compare points of view, to not take anything for granted. This is the difference between simply being a “politician“ and creating real policies.“, shared Terziev.
During the conversation, the students actively asked questions and participated in a discussion about how an opinion is formed, how a reasoned dialogue is conducted and what is the role of young people in social processes. Emphasis was placed on the importance of critical thinking, respect for different points of view and the courage to ask questions. At the end of the meeting, the mayor also expressed his impressions: “I left with the belief that a very high-quality generation is coming – thinking, critical, free to express their positions and defend them and which will bring a different type of morals to public life."