Radev to Students: Education and the Future of Bulgaria

Education should be based on the solid foundation of inherent Bulgarian values and traditions, as well as cultivate social and public engagement. This was stated by the head of state Rumen Radev at a meeting with representatives of the student community at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar", the press secretariat of the head of state announced.

The conversation between the president and the students took place in an atmosphere where hopes for the future of Bulgaria were in the air. Radev emphasized the key role of students as a driving force of social processes, bearers of ideals and values, as well as of the progress that determines the perspective for the future. Politics, according to him, must guarantee a sustainable and successful future for the country by supporting young people.

The president noted that if students strive solely for personal well-being, they can achieve a certain level of realization of their ambitions. However, if they remain indifferent to socio-political processes, this well-being will be unstable. An educated person, Radev further emphasized, can hardly be manipulated, and freedom is a supreme value for him.

The head of state pointed out that all successful countries invest in building and strengthening the value system, as well as in the mental and physical resilience of young people, so that they are prepared for the challenges of the modern world. He emphasized that technologies, science, and the economy are important, but the most valuable capital is young people. Rumen Radev added that it is those who invest resources in them in time and in the right way who achieve success.

The atmosphere of the meeting was filled with an awareness of the challenges facing Bulgaria. Rumen Radev noted the overlapping crises on a global scale, which also affect the country, and a large part of them remain unresolved. According to him, young people will determine the Bulgarian reaction to these crises. In response to a question from a student, the president pointed out that competition in the economy and industry is increasingly moving into the sphere of artificial intelligence. The world, in his words, will be divided into countries that develop and use these processes and technologies in the best possible way, determining the degree of social progress, and those that do not, implementing ready-made solutions.

Among the discussed topics were the development of new digital technologies, the autonomy of universities, the equality between state and private higher education institutions, as well as the poorly developed link between education, institutions, and business.

As key challenges for young people in Bulgaria, Rumen Radev outlined equal access to quality education, opportunities for professional realization, and a stable social environment. These factors, he emphasized, determine the most important question for young people – whether to stay in Bulgaria or seek realization abroad. As another challenge, the president defined the clash of ideals, values, and principles that young people receive within their training, with the reality in the country.

Within the framework of the visit to Varna Free University, the head of state also met with the academic leadership. He got acquainted with the activities of the university and the vision for its development by 2030. Radev emphasized the variety of specializations covering a wide range of professional fields. The president focused on the high academic results and the authority of the higher education institution, as well as on the efforts of the leadership to develop a quality educational process.

In recognition of the visit, the academic leadership presented President Radev with a gold plaque of Varna Free University, the press secretariat announced.

Earlier in the day, the head of state distinguished young people who achieved the "gold" and "silver" level from the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in Bulgaria at a ceremony at the Evksinograd residence in Varna.