site.btaState Must Work Hand in Hand with Small Towns Mayors, Deputy PM Zafirov Says

The Bulgarian State is aware of the challenges that mayors of small towns face and must work closely with them to find sustainable solutions, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov during a national forum on the challenges and opportunities for the development of small settlements and their role in local government in Bulgaria, which took place in Obzor (on the Black Sea) on Friday. The event was organized by the National Association of Mayors in the Republic of Bulgaria.

"Mayors often have their hands tied - they are limited administratively and financially. That is why coordinated work between the executive, legislative, and local authorities is needed to remove these barriers," the Deputy Prime Minister added.

Zafirov also drew attention to the growing trend of young people returning to small towns. According to him, the State must provide normal living conditions, such as access to kindergartens, healthcare, and education, in order to keep young families in their hometowns.

"If we work together in this direction, we will be able to reverse negative trends, preserve traditions, and at the same time build modern infrastructure," Zafirov added.