site.btaNewly Elected Ombudsman Delcheva Says She Doesn't See Herself as Caretaker PM

Newly elected ombudsman Velislava Delcheva told bTV on Friday that she sees herself as ombudsman, not as caretaker prime minister. Delchev described the ombudsman as someone focused on protecting the rights of individuals and citizens and added that when seeking a prime minister, a person with a different profile should be chosen.

Asked whether she would accept the position of caretaker prime minister, Delcheva answered: “Absolutely not.”

The ombudsman is among the office holders among which a caretaker prime minister may be appointed. 

Delcheva said that her priority in office will be children at risk and those in conflict with the law. Another target group will be elderly people, as well as victims of domestic violence.

People can turn to the ombudsman in any case, Delcheva added. She said that a personal reception was organised for August 7. Since the slots are already filled, there will also be a personal reception on August 21, she said. “We will find a way to organise a virtual reception so that people living outside Sofia can get in touch with us,” Delcheva added.

Regarding pricing with the transition to the euro area, Delcheva said she will work actively on the issue, with elderly people as her main target group. “I will hold receptions in small towns and speak with people about what to expect after January 1. I will offer legal advice and legal assistance when needed,” she said. Delcheva said she is already preparing a schedule for receptions in September, with towns including Svishtov, Gotse Delchev and Kazanlak among the places she will visit.

Regarding cases of illegal nursing homes, Delcheva recommended criminalising humiliating treatment of elderly people. “I will initiate investigations based on all signals and will exercise my right to conduct inspections,” the ombudsman stressed.

Delcheva also commented on the Hristo Botev boarding school in the village of Varnentsi. Earlier this week, she alerted institutions following reports alleging severe violence against children. Delcheva explained that during the investigation it was found that recommendations from the previous ombudsman had not been followed. “We saw very poor living conditions. It is important that these children have the chance for resocialisation after leaving the boarding schools,” she said. Delcheva added that she will use her powers as ombudsman to conduct inspections in institutions.

She also said that on August 18 she will present her proposal for deputy ombudsman, with an online hearing of candidates taking place beforehand.

On July 18, the Parliament elected Delcheva as ombudsman, with 123 MPs supporting her. Her term is five years.