site.btaUPDATED Sofia Hosts Forum on Demographic Crisis

Vice President Iliana Iotova opened Monday a national discussion on demographic issues. "The most dangerous thing in politics is if it is done piecemeal, without strategy, without goals or dialogue with society. This applies most of all to the demographic crisis, whose overcoming takes decades - not days - of targeted efforts by all of us - people, businesses, the NGO sector, rather than just one institution or the State," she said.

The demographic forum takes place under the auspices of the Vice President. It is being held for a second year in a row in the Sofia Tech Park. It is organized by the DNA movement, Economic.bg and the Bulgaria Wants You platform.

Yotova stressed that it is important to understand that the demographic problem does not have only one solution. "Everyone is aware that long-term action is needed in many areas. There is hardly any other policy like the demographic policy, which brings together all the policies of a society, of a state," Yotova pointed out, adding that the demographic policy is not just "to give some money, as you will often hear politicians say". The most difficult thing is to create an environment where there is predictability, an environment where young Bulgarians can plan their lives. An environment where there are rules, not arbitrariness, and it is especially important that the rules are the same for everyone, she stressed. 

Yotova also pointed out that the infrastructure of the social life in Bulgaria must change. "I am talking about access to kindergartens, adequate, timely and universal medical care, social work with young parents, eradication of domestic violence," said Iotova and adding that Bulgarian people need a functioning welfare state. 

She stressed that the demographic strategy is first and foremost a strategy for a welfare state that guarantees a better life for all. 

The demographic strategy is also, above all, an image of Bulgaria. "The image that Bulgaria projects in Europe and the world, which inevitably influences us here and often dictates our self-esteem and sometimes limits our opportunities," the Vice President said. 

She pointed out that our country often falls into the trap of misinformation and our compatriots abroad often have a distorted idea of the way Bulgaria looks at the moment. "This misconception is not positive. Something must be done about this because it is a lie. Bulgaria, despite all the crisis and difficulties we have faced in recent years, is a country that has its potential and it is worth our children returning to it," Yotova added.