President Radev: Financial decentralization of municipalities is the key to the sustainable development of Bulgarian regions

For the long-term and sustainable development of municipalities, financial decentralization, effective mechanisms for the distribution of funds and improvement of public procurement procedures are necessary. This was stated by President Rumen Radev, who, at the invitation of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB), participated in the Final Conference for the 2019-2023 municipal mandate, which is being held in Pamporovo.

In front of the representatives of local authorities from all over the country participating in the forum, the head of state pointed out that unlocking the economic potential of the Bulgarian regions requires financial independence at the local level. President Radev highlighted the need for dialogue with citizens and political commitment at all levels for the development of precise and transparent mechanisms for public procurement and clear criteria for the distribution of funds. Investment in human capital in places is of primary importance for overcoming the backwardness of a number of regions, the head of state emphasized.

Rumen Radev expressed his gratitude to the Bulgarian mayors, who, according to him, are at the end of one of the most challenging mandates in our recent history, marked by unprecedented global and local crises. "It was you who led the people through these crises, you personified the state and inspired confidence, even when some institutions abdicated," President Radev pointed out. The head of state highlighted a number of achievements of the local government, including the deployment of new industries, attracting investments, as well as European and national funding for infrastructure, social programs and improving the living environment.

President Radev also pointed out the main problems facing the municipalities today: demographic crisis, growing regional imbalances and inequalities, challenges facing the border and mountainous regions, the lack of manpower, the low pay of the municipal administration with a growing workload and limited powers. "And the biggest problem - the still enormous and in some places complete dependence of the local government on the central government," the head of state stressed.

President Radev singled out the contribution of the caretaker governments, which were able to build effective communication with the local authorities to provide assistance in important processes for more sustainable development of the municipalities.

The state should engage much more actively in the construction of industrial zones in the regions in cooperation with the municipalities, the president said and added that practice has shown that, if the necessary conditions are present, the local government organizes itself very quickly to attract investors and drive of the economy. Rumen Radev thanked the representatives of the local government for not waiting for the central government to reach them, but for achieving success themselves.

The local government is the mini-model of the state and the prosperity of each municipality means prosperity for Bulgaria as well, the head of state also pointed out. President Radev called on the mayors to continue to strengthen the authority of the local government by working transparently, honestly and in the interest of the citizens. The Bulgarian municipalities and their leaders must have the freedom to look ahead, to work for the long-term, sustainable development of the municipalities, the head of state also pointed out in his welcome to the conference.