Government once again proposes Neshka Robeva for the "Stara Planina" Order

The Council of Ministers is considering a proposal for the legendary rhythmic gymnastics coach Neshka Robeva to be awarded the "Stara Planina" Order, first degree. The project is included as the final item on the agenda for the regular cabinet meeting.

The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Youth and Sports Encho Keryazov. If the cabinet adopts it, it will be sent to the president, who has the authority to issue a decree for the award and to organize the official ceremony.

Neshka Robeva turned 80 on May 26. She is among the most recognizable figures in the history of Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics and is associated with the long-term development of the national team.

What the distinction represents

The "Stara Planina" Order is the highest state distinction in Bulgaria. It can be awarded to Bulgarian citizens with exceptional merits to the state – including public figures, politicians, cultural figures, military personnel, and representatives of the clergy.

For cultural and sports figures, the order is presented without a sash and without swords. The version with a sash is intended for heads of state and prime ministers, while swords are an element of military decorations.

The badge of the "Stara Planina" Order, first degree, consists of a five-pointed star on silver rays, with gold edges and enamel coating. In the center, "Stara Planina" is inscribed, and the distinction is attached with a gold lion to a white ribbon with the colors of the national tricolor.

The previous refusal

This is not the first case in which Neshka Robeva has been proposed for the highest state distinction. In 2016, the "Borisov 2" cabinet agreed to send a similar proposal to the president following an initiative by a citizens' committee.

At that time, however, the decision was not taken unanimously. According to the transcript from the meeting, seven ministers voted "for" and six voted "against." Support was given by Boyko Borisov, Lilyana Pavlova, Krassen Kralev, Nikolina Angelkova, Vezhdi Rashidov, Ivelina Vasileva, and Ivaylo Moskovski.

Voting against the proposal were Rumyana Bachvarova, Vladislav Goranov, Bozhidar Lukarski, Nikolay Nenchev, Meglena Kuneva, and Ekaterina Zakharieva. After learning about the division within the cabinet, Robeva refused to accept the distinction.

The current proposal will go through the same legal procedure: a decision by the Council of Ministers and a subsequent presidential decree. Whether the coach will accept the order if it is awarded is still unknown.