With regard to the multitude of questions asked with respect to the decision of the Council of Ministers to nominate Kristalina Georgieva as candidate for the UN secretary general position, the Press Secretariat of the Head of State has been authorized to voice the following position of President Rosen Plevneliev:  

The Bulgarian government is competent and responsible to nominate a national candidacy for head of the most prestigious world organization. The Council of Ministers has made its analysis and has assessed the chances of the possible Bulgarian candidates, which the Bulgarian Head of State has also been briefed about. The President shares the government’s arguments.

After the decision made by the Council of Ministers, all Bulgarian institutions must, within their competence, work so as to ensure the success of the Bulgarian candidate. Bulgaria has assumed a great responsibility by having the chance to nominate the next UN secretary general. This is also responsibility towards the Central and East European region. The President calls on all Bulgarian politicians to adopt a responsible approach to the Bulgarian candidacy, to overcome their party interests and personal biases and become part of the state’s efforts to achieve success in this race.

The Head of State would like to recall that the final decision as to who will head the organization will not be made in Bulgaria, but within the UN structures. Therefore it is very important that we avoid trading accusations for yet another time and show the world that we can be united and work in the same direction.

Nominating a new candidate is not an unfamiliar international practice. What would be bad and tarnish our country’s image is if we show inability to agree on the important for Bulgaria and Europe decisions.   
President Plevneliev highly appreciates the work done and efforts made by Mrs. Bokova and wishes both her and Kristlina Georgieva success.

Let us all in the remaining decisive days enhance the opportunities Bulgaria has and increase our chances of success.