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Vasil Terziev, Mayor of Sofia and Member of the Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSORB), welcomed the delegates as host at the XXXIX General Assembly of NSORB, held today in Sofia.

In his speech, he emphasized that in a dynamic political environment with frequent changes in the executive branch, local self-government remains a factor of resilience and predictability in governance.

"During periods of a dynamic political environment and frequent changes in the executive branch, local self-government remains the most stable factor of continuity," Terziev stated. According to him, it is precisely the municipalities that ensure the continuity of policies on the ground, regardless of the political cycle.

"While the national debate shifts, people’s expectations remain the same – for projects to progress, services to improve, and the urban environment to develop. This predictability is the foundation of trust," the Mayor of Sofia noted.

Vasil Terziev outlined the specific priorities that Sofia Municipality has focused on over the past year. These include accelerated construction of kindergartens and nurseries to permanently reduce the shortage of places, renovation of school facilities and preparation for a single-shift system, modernization of public transport, and improved connectivity between neighborhoods.

He also highlighted major investments in neighborhood infrastructure – streets, sidewalks, and communal spaces – as well as systematic measures to improve air quality and expand green areas. Accelerated digitalization, aimed at more accessible and efficient administrative services for citizens and businesses, was identified as a key priority.

"These are processes that require sustainability and expertise. Results are not always immediate, but consistent decisions build trust and create stability," Terziev emphasized.

The Mayor stressed the need for coordinated action across different levels of governance.

"For people, the state is a whole – they do not distinguish between levels of government, but seek effective solutions and better quality of life," he noted, adding that this places even greater responsibility on local authorities to act in a coordinated manner – both among themselves and with the central government.

In this context, Vasil Terziev highlighted the importance of constructive and predictable interaction with the caretaker government on key issues such as the municipal budget framework, access to European funding, strategic infrastructure projects, and necessary legislative changes.

"These issues require dialogue, clarity, and a professional approach – and cannot be postponed," he stated.

In conclusion, the Mayor of Sofia emphasized that municipal governance requires strategic thinking beyond short-term decisions.

"Every day, we face the choice between short-term comfort and long-term responsibility. Our duty is to think beyond a single mandate – for infrastructure, education, the environment, and financial sustainability," Terziev said.

He called for governance that plans and takes responsibility, placing the public interest above momentary political disagreements.

"Our commitment is to all citizens – regardless of age or political views. We are obliged to give our best and leave behind a better environment for the next generation," Vasil Terziev concluded.

Read the full statement of the Mayor of Sofia: BTA link