GERB National Youth Academy Held in Razlog

Yoana Vodenicharova

Participants in GERB's National Youth Academy in Razlog, November 29, 2025 (BTA Photo/Krasimir Velkov)

Razlog, Southwestern Bulgaria,

30.11.2025 18:45

(BTA)

GERB’s National Youth Academy was held in Razlog, southwestern Bulgaria, over the weekend of November 29 and 30 in Razlog.

Youth representatives of GERB from across the country took part in discussions on foreign policy, the euro area, finance, justice, and tourism. The forum brought together more than 200 participants. Keynote speakers included GERB leader Boyko Borissov, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh, and Rosen Plevneliev, who served as Bulgaria's President from 2012 to 2017. MPs, mayors, and municipal and regional coordinators of GERB also attended.

Georgi Vladov, chair of GERB’s youth organization, opened the event on Saturday, noting that what sets GERB apart is not only the work it accomplishes but the fact that it delivers "not 100%, but 200% of the tasks" assigned by its leader, Borissov.

Addressing participants in the forum, Borissov said that "the strength of not only GERB but also other parties lies in the mayors." "They are close to the people and capable of solving any problem," he added. One of the party’s strengths is that it has never drawn distinctions between mayors based on party affiliation, Borissov noted.

The GERB leader also commented on the 2026 budget, protests, and political opponents. "If the government collapses, chaos will immediately ensue," Borissov said, adding that prices will rise due to the lack of current controls.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that social tension exists because triggers have accumulated over recent years. "When there is clear political and parliamentary support, they try to portray the Cabinet as unstable," he noted. The Cabinet is currently functioning effectively as a unified body, despite the complex party composition within it, Zhelyazkov added. He predicted that political attacks will persist and stressed the importance of discussions with social partners on the budget to build consensus and trust. The Prime Minister also commented on the flooding situation in Blagoevgrad Region, saying that it has been brought under control. Speaking about Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the euro area, Zhelyazkov identified two opposing narratives: one that exaggerates short-term risks such as price increases and inflation, and another that downplays the importance of the process.

Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance Chair Delian Dobrev also addressed participants in the forum and talked about the country's budget.

Rosen Plevneliev discussed the geopolitical landscape and emphasized the growing importance of new technologies and education. Technology was also the focus of a presentation by Plovdiv Deputy Mayor Vladimir Temelkov, who unveiled a project for a digital reception desk designed to improve communication with citizens.

Member of the European Parliament and GERB regional coordinator for Blagoevgrad Andrey Novakov, Razlog Mayor Krasimir Gerchev, Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski, Simitli Mayor Apostol Apostolov, Gotse Delchev Mayor Vladimir Moskov, and Hadzhidimovo Mayor Lyudmil Terziev also addressed the forum.

/IV/