site.btaUPDATED Outgoing PM Zhelyazkov: History Remembers Decision-Makers

Speaking at the government handover ceremony in Sofia on Thursday, outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said: “History does not necessarily remember those who held grand titles and offices, but it always remembers those who made decisions when they had to be made.” Zhelyazkov addressed the former ministers and thanked them for taking “those decisions when they had to be taken, rather than the easy ones”.

Earlier in the day, the incoming caretaker Prime Minister, Andrey Gurov, and the members of his government took the oath of office at a ceremony in the National Assembly in the presence of President Iliana Iotova.

Zhelyazkov also said: “The present moment is not simply filled with solemn ceremonial, it is not even the handover of a political legacy by inventory; the present moment is the moment in which responsibility is handed over and assumed. Responsibility for carrying out the tasks as you formulated them before the National Assembly, responsibility for the tasks mentioned yesterday by the head of state.”

In his words, there are two important dates in a politician’s life. “The first is the date on which he takes the helm of government, on which date there are commitments, promises, expectations and a small dose of illusion; and the moment in which he releases the helm of government, at which point there is a reckoning and many truths learned,” he said.

Addressing his incoming successor, Andrey Gurov, Zhelyazkov said: “You are a sensible and wise man, and I am sure that you and your colleagues will manage to distinguish the good that has been done from what has not been completed and can be, as well as to correct the mistakes you will identify. For this purpose, I believe that passing on the baton is very important in order to ensure continuity in the governance of the country. This continuity is the torch with that fire that can be used to burn the past, but can also serve to illuminate the path ahead.”

Earlier on Thursday, President Iotova signed decrees appointing the caretaker government and setting elections for the National Assembly for April 19.