Sofia in the Battle of the Cities: Bulgaria's Best City Award 2009

One of the many attractive public sculptures in Sofia city center, the "Best Bulgarian City to Live In, 2009". File photo

Sofia won the title of "Best Bulgarian City to Live In" in an annual competition organized by Darik Radio, DarikNews.bg and daily paper 24 Chasa, it was announced on Tuesday.

It was a close fight! Sofia gained 234 points (out of a possible 320), and Varna lagged behind by only a single mark (233). The citizens of Varna must be disappointed, as they were the outright winners for the past two years. Burgas came third, with 219 points.

So, a cause for the inhabitants of Sofia to celebrate - "We are best!" Well, it's worth taking a look at the way the judges came to their decision.

Behind the competitive hype and publicity, and the understandable rivalry between the bigger cities of Bulgaria, is there really something to learn, something more substantial, about the entire competition?

It seems so, fortunately.

The final score for each of the 44 included cities was based on a range of no fewer than 32 factors that the judging panel investigated. The list of topics is more than interesting; there are many serious subjects, and some rather external ones, that provided the basis of the award.

One can't help observing, though, that there is an inherent bias in the topics selected as criteria: proximity to an airport, just to cite one example. So, it comes as no surprise that the city of Gorna Oryahovitsa came 34th in the list, with 130 points, or that the Mayor of Karlovo totally refused to take part in the survey. This raises a fascinating – and relevant – question, to be considered later.

But, back to the winner, Sofia.

A general analysis of the factors considered in the annual survey shows that there are several distinct sectors of activity that have been investigated. They can be broadly summarized: business; social; transport; education; health; administration; personal; crime: ecology; and "external" – factors of geographical position within Bulgaria.

The published results and commentary concerning all these 32 factors give a broadly indicative analysis of the vibrancy (or otherwise) of Sofia's urban 'milieu' or atmosphere. (Novinite.com concentrated on the winner, for obvious reasons.)

The overall results were, to any inhabitant of Sofia, largely predictable. But it was interesting to compare personal perceptions with the more detailed and objective analysis that is provided. The analysis was, in many cases, detailed and supported by some enlightening facts and figures.

For example, a cyclist who regularly braves the traffic in the capital would be angered by the report on the cycle lane program, which has recently enjoyed much publicity (and not a little ridicule!). The declared intention of the municipality is to provide 255 kms of cycle lanes around the city; so far, they have provided a mere 8,25 kms, with an additional 6,1 planned by the end of 2009.

But, one may argue, cyclists are a minority. It’s more necessary to examine broader issues, those that affect every citizen, inhabitant and visitor.

How does one get around the city? As any Sofianite knows, there’s a maze of small but significant streets in the center. Good news, here: the survey awards 8/10 points to the programs that provide updated and consistent street signs, bus stop information, and general direction signs.

And, public transport? The basic results are mixed: cheap, regular public transport, with increased disabled access rates well, and the recent expansion of the Metro system has numerous benefits. taxis are plentiful and standard tariffs are reasonable – but beware the still frequent rip-off companies! Traffic jams lower the score, inevitably, and there are acute problems of city-center parking - the Blue Zone has a capacity of only 11 500 spots.

Business infrastructure scores highly. Even in these troubled financial times, there's steady long-term international investment, and local infrastructural development is extensive, especially concerning the Metro, the improvement of major road intersections and communications in general. However, there is major criticism of the handling of the long-running garbage problem.

All well and good, so far - nothing really new, for a capital city that has been striving for European standards, particularly since its accession to the EU almost three years ago.

But, what's it really like, what does it provide to its citizens on a more personal basis? How geared up is Sofia to the daily welfare of its people?

If your sons and daughters are of an age to undergo formal education, Sofia's a good place to be. Provision of kindergarten places, though still not adequate, is improving. If your teenager is at the stage of higher education, nearly one half of Bulgaria's university institutions are located in the capital.

Or, if you are physically incapacitated, you should have reasonable access to all state institutions by now. Even private shops may offer specialized changing facilities. But - if you’re bladder is bursting, don’t expect too many convenient facilities, yet.

What about personal attitudes? Sofia is, basically, a tolerant city, whatever your sexuality, religion or ethnicity, scoring 9/10 in this category.

Are you employed? The rates for unemployment are, understandably, the lowest in the country, with several state-funded initiatives to aid the young and old, alike.

Hospitals? The best in Bulgaria, with St, Ekaterina noted as one of the top five in Europe. Public parks, sports facilities, cultural venues - all pretty good.

A fairly bright picture, then, for those lucky enough to live in Sofia?

No, it's certainly not, in some aspects! There's serious pollution caused by traffic and local industry; green spaces, such as those on Vitosha, are still being eroded and destroyed. Crime goes largely unsolved, from murders (24 in 2008, with 15 solved), and suicides (no official figures available, apparently) to robbery and theft (4 427 cases in 2008, 438 resolved), and with car theft at 2 575 cases, and 85 solved).

And, please don't talk about bureaucracy (6/10) – we all suffer the same problems! But the analysis notes improvements: web access to information; a Client Charter of individual service rights; more flexible working hours by official departments (except for KAT, the analysis notes).

You may well be asking yourself: what's the point of citing all these scores and comments? It was just an award, after all, just something conjured up for publicity, a false kind of competition?

On the contrary, with all the information sought and found, and clearly presented, the facts for each participating city somehow succeed in giving a realistic picture of life here – in this case, in Sofia.

The factors considered in the survey have, however, two basic flaws: they are clearly aimed at the larger cities of Bulgaria, and therefore they exclude many other smaller, but important regional communities.

And, among the many valid factors, there are a couple that seem a little dubious, in that they are totally external. For example, no-one can control the weather, so it’s rather amusing to rate Sofia’s weather at 7/10 , because it has 74 (?) sunny days each year. And, is it significant to record access to nearby natural features - the sea, or mountain and spa resorts? Airports, yes; but hydro-therapy?

Despite those niggling criticisms, the detailed city surveys provide a wealth of insight - whether of a single place, or on a comparative basis. They are welcome, as a personal provocation to think about our urban environment.

We all have our personal perceptions about the place we choose, or have, to live in. We all think "our" city is the best (or worst) in the land. The importance of these awards is not in declaring that this place is better than that.

It lies in giving us cause for some reflection: what do we want from our city? Who should provide it? What is our individual part in contributing to the improved development of our urban space? What can we as citizens do, what can we contribute, to improve the look, the services, the infrastructure, the general environment of our home?

It's a time to pause for constructive thought - about the past, the present, and how we can shape our own future.

The in-depth online presentation of data can be found HERE in Bulgarian only.

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