A highly emotional and at times heated discussion took place during the meeting of the Chairman of the National Assembly of the BSP Krum Zarkov with residents of the Roma quarter “Komluka“ in Sliven. Dozens of questions, remarks from the field and the active participation of people turned the conversation into an open and tense dialogue on the real problems of the community.
“We propose a change to a system. And your voice must be heard. In the local elections, we want you to get involved not only as listeners and voters, but as our candidates. Get involved in the field, because otherwise you will be lied to every time. We want you to be part of the process itself. Take matters into your own hands.“, Zarkov urged.
During the meeting, citizens raised a number of questions – about education, the lack of equal opportunities, labor migration, discrimination and promises that have not been fulfilled for years. At times, the conversation escalated into a sharp exchange of opinions, with those present insisting on specific solutions, rather than general political messages.
“Just as I oppose putting all Roma under one denominator and pointing fingers at them, so I and my comrades oppose being labeled “all politicians”, emphasized Krum Zarkov. In his words, one of the biggest mistakes is talking “about the Roma“ without understanding the real conditions. “It is easy to give advice when you don't know the environment in which people live.“.
The main emphasis of the conversation was the inequality in starting opportunities. “Everyone should have equal access – it is not fair for children's future to depend on where they were born or what opportunities their parents have.“, Zarkov pointed out.
The topic of labor migration also caused strong reactions. “Many people work abroad, and the children stay with grandparents. Then they say – control them to go to school. How can this be done?“, Zarkov noted and added: “We will fight so that your children do not remain without education.“.
During the meeting, the issue of discrimination was also raised, which caused particularly emotional reactions. In response to a resident of the neighborhood who shared that “abroad you are a Bulgarian, and in Bulgaria – a gypsy“, Zarkov stated: “For me you are not.“, emphasizing that such a division is unacceptable.
In conclusion, the BSP chairman called for an active civic position and participation in the political process: “They will give you a little something here, a little something there – and you will be lied to every time. That is why you must commit yourself and take responsibility.“
In his words, change requires time and consistency: “It will not happen in three months, it will not happen in a year. But if we work consistently, a lot can be done in five years.“
“Over the years, I have helped everyone with whatever I can and I will continue to do so. I will come to the neighborhood and continue to listen to your problems.“, said the leader of the BSP list – UNITED LEFT Sonya Kelevedzhieva.
She emphasized that she would not make unfulfillable promises: “The only thing I can promise is that both in parliament and outside it I will be by your side and help you.“.
Kelevedzhieva placed a strong emphasis on education. “Children must study. If you need help – look for me. If there are young people who want to continue their education, I will help them study at university.“, she said. She added that she would also help people who have not completed their education: “It is never too late – even if you only have primary education, we will help you continue.“.