Teodor Georgiev from Vienna: Corruption and lack of justice are ‎deeply rooted in Bulgarian politics

Every vote matters to hold our leaders accountable and demand ‎change

published on 4/2/23 8:35 AM

Teodor Georgiev

Photo: personal archive

Bulgarians abroad - together with their compatriots in our country, ‎are again faced with a choice, which will determine whether our ‎country will work for the prosperity of its citizens and establish ‎itself in the European and Euro-Atlantic family as a reliable partner.‎

Between 35 and 45 thousand Bulgarians live in Austria, of ‎which only 5 thousand voted in the last parliamentary ‎elections. However, the statistics of October 2, 2022 elections can be ‎changed, since 15 polling stations in eight cities are available for ‎them today.‎

‎"Unfortunately, the attitude among the Bulgarians in Vienna does ‎not differ from the previous elections. People seem to be tired of ‎elections", says Teodor Georgiev, a sports and social entrepreneur ‎living in the Austrian capital. He is one of the Bulgarians active ‎abroad who, together with other compatriots, openly expresses his ‎civic position. And although in recent years "protests" and ‎‎"elections" are among the most used words, our country is once ‎again facing fundamental problems, the solution of which should ‎have been found a long time ago.‎

‎

"The problems with corruption and the lack of the rule of law are ‎deeply rooted in Bulgarian politics and, as we see, it takes time and ‎constant efforts to achieve a significant change - continues Teodor ‎Georgiev. - We still can't visualize it, we can't feel it, we can't touch it, ‎so it is extremely important to continue to ask fundamental ‎questions and demand responsibility from those who govern, no ‎matter who they are. Progress may be slow, but every step towards ‎a more transparent and democratic society is important, and this is ‎why we take to the streets when necessary. Without dealing with ‎corruption and achieving the rule of law, we cannot take the steps ‎we want."‎

Sociologists and political analysts are not very optimistic that it will ‎be possible to form a cabinet even after these elections. Another one ‎is added to the many dividing lines between the parties - on which ‎side do they stand with regard to the war in Ukraine. On this ‎occasion, Teodor Georgiev points out:‎

‎‎

‎"It is essential to ensure that Bulgaria's foreign policy is in line with ‎its national interests and values, as well as with those of its partners. ‎We must not forget that Bulgaria is part of many foreign policy ‎treaties and I don't understand what kind of discussion ‎there should ‎be on these topics.”‎

That is why political energy, according to the young entrepreneur, ‎should be focused on the development opportunities that Bulgaria ‎has to offer each of its citizens. ‎

‎

"The future government must give priority to economic growth and ‎social justice, as well as sustainability in health care," Teodor ‎Georgiev told Radio Bulgaria. “The coronavirus pandemic has ‎highlighted the importance of investment in this area, and also in ‎education, to support vulnerable groups. In addition, it is necessary ‎to address the digital divide and invest in infrastructure to support ‎the growth of the technology sector. I believe that it is the ‎technological sector that is the chance for Bulgaria to position itself ‎on the world map with a product and service that is at a high ‎level. ‎We see that there are startups in the technology industry that ‎we can be proud of.”‎

However, for all this to happen, it is necessary for each of us to give ‎our vote, Teodor Georgiev is convinced.‎

‎

"Voting is a way to participate directly in democracy and determine ‎our future. Every vote counts - it's critical to hold our leaders ‎accountable and demand the change we want to see at the end of the ‎day."‎

And while politicians once again face the problems and ‎responsibilities that have been suppressed over the years with pre-‎election promises to solve them, civil initiatives really contribute to ‎realizing our own strength and uniting us as a community. An ‎example of this is given by the Bulgarians in Austria.‎

‎

"In November 2022, the association Societas Bulgarica was ‎established in Austria, which deals with several key areas - says ‎Teodor Georgiev. - Our idea is to organize a large part of Bulgarians ‎abroad, starting from Vienna, in areas such as business relations, ‎specialization and competence, social and cultural areas. i.e. there is ‎a place for everyone with us. We have reached this point in our ‎development as a society beyond the border where we can achieve ‎much more. We are looking for self-confident Bulgarians, Bulgarian ‎entrepreneurs and people who want to develop.”‎

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Share

Teodor Georgiev from Vienna: Corruption and lack of justice are ‎deeply rooted in Bulgarian politics

Every vote matters to hold our leaders accountable and demand ‎change

More from category

Girls from the Bulgarian School "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in Jordan represent Bulgaria at event in Amman

Balkan developments

Bulgarians in Sydney to gather at Christmas picnic

Nuredin Nuredinaj from Gòra: "We must return to human values and preserve our identity"