There are no small and large nations, there are united and divided ones. This was said by President Iliana Yotova at the beginning of the first session of the 52nd National Assembly.
"The instilled suggestion of apathy and destruction of trust did not justify itself. We have proven that we are a community with awakened civic energy. Commitment with faith in our own strength. It is symbolic that the 52nd National Assembly begins work on days when we mark 150 years since the outbreak of the April Uprising. The immortal heroes of April 1876 are a vivid example of patriotism, which reminds us that there are no small or large nations, there are united and divided ones."
"The elections of April 19 - the eighth in 5 years - showed that they are elections of hope. The caretaker government did a good job. It did a lot to stop the buying and selling in the elections", said President Yotova.
She pointed out that many more people voted in the elections.
"This is a new legitimacy of our legislative body, the National Assembly, and a new categorical vote of confidence. Democracy works, we saw it, we felt it, we know it, restoring trust will not be easy and quick, but this will be the task of all institutions and authorities“, said Yotova.
The head of state said that the protests in the winter were a categorical vote against corruption, abuses, arrogance, arrogance and the poorly concealed face of the oligarchy.
“On April 19, we cast our vote to end this political crisis. These are our first elections won with an absolute majority in the 21st century. Bulgarian citizens gave a categorical mandate to a political force – of – – of – Progressive Bulgaria”, with the expectation of stable governance, an orderly state and a true separation of powers, as mandated by the basic law of our country – The Bulgarian Constitution.“
She emphasized that the great goal for everyone is the fight against inequalities and the lack of justice.
„The state must be a protector, not an observer. Every Bulgarian home must be its concern. No authority can leave people alone against prices and bills.“
The President emphasized that the National Assembly must proceed with one of its central functions - voting on the 2026 budget.
„The extension of the old budget was one of the most serious manifestations of the impasse of the past. Today, any delay condemns to stagnation, unpredictability for citizens, businesses, municipalities and the institutions themselves. We know that not everything can be done with a magic wand. It will be difficult, but with joint efforts we must do it.“
Iliyana Yotova pointed out that the expectations of Bulgarian citizens are for justice and legality, for cutting off the abuses and corruption through which millions of our money flow.
"We expect quick and effective justice. How you will fulfill your constitutional obligations in the judicial system will be up to you. This time, I hope, with the strong expertise and support of professional circles. I am convinced that you will show that Bulgaria will no longer be the state with expired mandates.“
In her speech, Yotova also touched on the international situation and military conflicts.
"People's fears and anxieties are justified. It is time for Bulgaria to stop behaving like a timid guest in our European family. 19 years after our admission there, our strong and influential voice must be heard, because our opinion, our position and point of view are worth as much as any of the 27. We have something to offer for the security of the external borders. We have something to say about the development of the Western Balkans.“
The head of state told the deputies that the presidential institution will be a corrective to the other authorities.
„The presidential institution, as always, will be autonomous and independent, it will be a corrective to the other authorities, but we will extend a hand for interaction and cooperation in the name of the highest goal - the well-being of the Bulgarian people.
The President wished the new members of parliament in this plenary hall that parliamentarism will reign. He also recalled the words of the great Stefan Danailov, uttered just before 10 parliaments at the opening of the 42nd National Assembly on May 21, 2013:
„If we try to ignore the truth about the things around us, sooner or later we pay a high price. It is high time to unite our will and knowledge around the most urgent social-saving problems and solve them, ignoring our political opposition, personal intolerance and intransigence in the name of a better day for our beloved homeland.“
Good luck to the 52nd National Assembly!“, said President Iliana Yotova.