Iliana Yotova: Bulgaria has earned its freedom and must bequeath it to our children

Bulgaria earned its freedom, it won it, said President Iliana Yotova on the occasion of the Third of March in an interview for the multilingual program of BNR – Radio Bulgaria, published on the website of the national radio. The Russo-Turkish Liberation War was the end of a period from which the Third Bulgarian state was reborn, President Yotova pointed out. 

This is also the day when Bulgaria returned to the political map of the world after five centuries of slavery, added Yotova. The Third of March is the date of our freedom, but this is a day in which all Bulgarians, regardless of where they are, reach out to each other and return to the history of 148 years ago, she believes. Our important task, in my opinion, is to bequeath this peace to our children, Yotova emphasized. According to the head of state, Bulgaria has managed to preserve Bulgarian identity over the years and to preserve its spiritual and intellectual strength.

There is no division among people. It seems to me that we are more united than ever, commented Iliana Yotova. According to her, there is an artificial attempt at division through politics and through politicians.

The Bulgarian state is ready to protect the life and safety of Bulgarian citizens, the president assured regarding the tension in the Middle East. Yotova emphasized that the country's security and efforts to evacuate Bulgarians residing in the area is a primary task.

We still do not have a concrete, clear position, because it is too early, said Iliana Yotova to a question about what the Bulgarian position is on what is happening in the Middle East. She emphasized that the situation is very delicate. And I would not recommend anyone to make politics out of this domestically, said Yotova, reminding of the pre-election situation in the country.

The president said that the most important task is the good organization of the upcoming elections and the overcoming of vote abuses. Yotova highlighted vote buying as a problem. She believes that society needs to regain trust in the institutions. 

I continue to propose to create an association of Bulgarian communities abroad, which will also have representation here in the country, the president also commented on our compatriots in Bulgaria. “There is no us and them, we are all Bulgarians,” Yotova said in response to a question about the changes in the Election Code.