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Association of Municipalities holds General Assembly

Local Authorities Must Not Delay Decisions in Times of Crisis – Association Leader

Valentin Evstatiev, Nikoleta Vasileva
Local Authorities Must Not Delay Decisions in Times of Crisis – Association Leader
Local Authorities Must Not Delay Decisions in Times of Crisis – Association Leader
Daniel Panov, Chair of the Management Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, opens the organization’s 39th General Assembly, Sofia, February 24, 2026 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)
Sofia,  
24.02.2026 12:07
 (BTA)

Local authorities uphold the principles of democracy on the ground and cannot postpone decisions in times of crises, emergencies and social challenges, said Daniel Panov, Chair of the Management Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, as he opened the organization’s 39th General Assembly in Sofia on Tuesday.

In his address to delegates, Panov stressed that the forum brings together “the people citizens turn to when they have a problem”, describing municipalities as “the closest form of the state” to the public. He noted that 329 delegates were present in the hall – mayors, municipal council chairs and councillors from 197 municipalities across the country. According to Panov, this is a sign of the organisation’s legitimacy, representativeness and unity.

Panov added that this year’s assembly marks the beginning of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of NAMRB, which will be observed on December 11. “Thirty years represent generations of effort, thousands of difficult decisions and conversations, hundreds of battles for fairness towards municipalities. Most importantly, they are 30 years of proof that when municipalities stand united, Bulgaria is stronger,” Panov said.

He emphasized the importance of unity within local government regardless of political differences. In a dynamic political environment and amid social tensions, municipalities must guarantee stability, professionalism and tangible results, he said.

In his remarks, Panov also addressed the issue of security for representatives of local government. This followed an attack on the mayor of the village of Bistritsa, which he described as an alarming signal. “When aggression strikes a mayor, it does not strike just one person, but the sense of order and security within the community,” he said, calling on the competent authorities to act decisively.

Among the main priorities facing municipalities, Panov highlighted the need for predictable and fair financial rules, without sudden changes or the imposition of new responsibilities without secured funding. The Chair of NAMRB’s Management Board also called for respect for local self-government as an equal pillar of statehood.

/RY/

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By 01:02 on 25.02.2026 Today`s news

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