Bulgaria has active and strong positions on the issues on the European agenda and is part of the solutions of the problems in Europe. This is what President Rosen Plevneliev said, who held talks at 2 Dondukov street with Frano Matusic,  PACE’s rapporteur for post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria. The representative of the Monitoring Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is visiting Bulgaria until 5 June and will hold a lot of talks with the Bulgarian authorities.

Conducting a referendum on the electoral rights of the citizens will contribute to the better quality of democracy in Bulgaria, Frano Matusic commented during the meeting. The Head of State briefed the guest on part of his motives for initiating a nationwide referendum on the electoral rights of citizens, which are due to be tabled in the National Assembly. The referendum is a working tool of democracy and combining direct and representative democracy will contribute to building up the public trust in the institutions, the President emphasized at the talks. “If we would like to improve democracy, we should ensure that the people’s voice is heard,” the Head of State commented.

Rosen Plevneliev and  Frano Matusic exchanged opinions on key reforms, which are on our country’s agenda in 2015. The judicial reform and the amendments of the Constitution related to it were particularly highlighted.

Frano Matusic, for his part, assured that the Council of Europe will continue to support Bulgaria in its efforts to improve the quality of democracy, which is of key importance for the whole region. The problems should be pointed out openly and honestly so that they can be solved, Rosen Plevneliev and Frano Matusic were unanimous.