Kuneva's Presidential Platform Highlights Role of Bulgarian Civil Society

Former EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva has once again stressed the role of civil society at the presentation of her presidential platform. Photo by BGNES

In the course of the presentation of her presidential platform, Meglena Kuneva stressed Tuesday that Bulgaria's next head of state should maintain high standards of accountability, seek the views of non-governmental organizations and encourage civilian control of the government.

The independent presidential candidate said she would propose the establishment of a permanent council overseeing the work of the president. She vowed to invite the initiative committee that is behind her nomination, as well as a host of other prominent Bulgarians, into the monitoring body.

"The Bulgarian head of state is subject to civilian control not only on paper", Kuneva stated, adding that the country needs a president of the citizens who is free from political dependencies and is capable of uniting the efforts of the institutions instead of waging a war against them.

Kuneva listed four priority tasks which she would pursue in her tenure- a just rule of law, economic prosperity, the spiritual and physical health of the nation and a dignified place for Bulgaria in the world.

"I will be a president who will not open up new rifts in society but will consolidate it by promoting dialogue on important issues", Kuneva pointed out.

She pledged to work for giving real power to the people and for changing the way they elect and control their politicians.

The ex EU Commissioner said she would propose nationwide referenda on important state matters and invite broad public discussion on problems characterized by the lack of an efficient dialogue between the institutions and the civil society.

"I will hold an annual national socio-political forum titled "Bulgaria's Agenda" with the participation of civil society and political powers aimed at seeking new solutions, good practices, governmental and social innovations.

She pledged to introduce "transparency and accountability of the President's Office" and to demand other institutions to meet equally high standards.

She said that, as a president of "the rule of law and of freedoms", she would impose vetos and notify the Constitutional Court whenever a law violates people's rights or invites discrimination.

"I will address a specialized council of reputable legal experts who will determine the compatibility of each newly passed law to European legal standards", Bulgaria's former EU Commissioner declared.

She also said she would introduce a fully transparent procedure for consultations with civil and human rights organizations for the appointment of a chief prosecutor and chairpersons of Bulgaria's supreme courts, as well as the presidential quota in bodies like the Constitutional Court, the Council of Electronic Media (SEM), the Commission for Protection Against Discrimination and the Conflict of Interests Commission.

"I will insist on the appointment of personalities with proven professional ethics, competence and public confidence", she stated, explaining that she plans to encourage Bulgarians to participate in active discussions about reforms in the judiciary.

"I will respond whenever competent institutions fail to respond to or provide a cover-up for police brutality", Kuneva said

She also highlighted that she would counter attempts to incite hatred, racism or xenophobia in society.

"Bulgaria needs new energy! It needs competence and predictability in government! Bulgaria needs European rules in the everyday work of the institutions". she concluded, pledging to be an active head of state.

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