Speech by Head of State Rumen Radev at the inauguration ceremony for his second term as President of the Republic of Bulgaria

 

Mr President of the National Assembly, 

Prime Minister, 

Madam Vice President, 

Honourable Members of the Constitutional Court, 

Honourable Ministers and Members of the National Assembly, 

Representatives of the judiciary,

Honourable Heads of State Institutions,

Chief of Defence,

Generals and Admirals, officers, sergeants and soldiers,

Representatives of religious communities, 

Your Excellencies,

 

Dear compatriots,

 

Five years ago, I first reviewed the troops here in front of the Cathedral and the Eternal Flame. I remember the faces of many of you, the eyes of the people who had come in the nippy January to support the first steps of hope for New Bulgaria. Our hope was common and you entrusted it to Mrs. Iotova and me.

 

The first term was a gruelling struggle, but you renewed the pact of trust from which we draw strength. Thank you for your support. 

 

We have dedicated five years to the battle for law and democracy. I have called and worked for unity, I have been accused of disunity. But your votes have shown unequivocally that our society wants and needs to do away with part of the legacy of the past. We have won through joint efforts, we have brought society out of apathy, we have restored fair elections to the people, and we have given parliament the opportunity to reform the rejected governance model, to strengthen the State, to fight corruption, to revive democratic institutions. 

 

The people has pronounced and today we know around which principles we are building our unity: those of law, justice and enlightenment, for a true European development of Bulgaria.

 

In the coming years, I will make sure that the country does not stray from the path. I will uphold sovereignty, law, security, and justice, because this is our long-term and inalienable mission. Political change is only the first step, there are more trials ahead and I hope that our whole political generation of politicians is aware of this. The people have confirmed the path. It is up to us to lay it down.

 

And when we think that we are having the hardest time, let us not forget that not many countries have preserved their name, faith and language through the winds of history. If today Bulgaria is one of them, it is because our people have experienced and realised the need for the unity of sword, spirit and word. I am convinced that we can achieve our goals only if our society remains united in its will for real change and progress. I believe that the millennial 'state of the spirit' is alive in Bulgaria and it will inspire and chart our way forward. 

 

Dear fellow countrymen,

 

At the beginning of the outgoing term, I stated that for me it is not important how long I will be President, but what kind of President I will be. This conviction motivated me, even in the most difficult moments, not to compromise my principles and to remain on the side of the people. I will continue to be the president of all Bulgarian citizens, regardless of party affiliation, ethnicity and religion. I will defend the rights, interests and dignity of my people.

 

I believe that together we will continue to build a free, democratic, prosperous and modern country. 

 

Long live Bulgaria!