site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov: Archives Do Not Just Preserve Documents, They Preserve Our Identity

Speaking at an event marking International Archives Day on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said that “archives do not just preserve documents, they preserve our identity, the past that shapes us as a nation, and the stories that remind us who we are.” The event was held at the State Archives Agency (SAA).

“I stand with respect and gratitude to the SAA employees on International Archives Day — a day when we rightfully honour those who protect the nation’s memory and history,” Zafirov said. The Bulgarian State - and politicians in particular - owe a debt to the State Archives Agency, he noted, adding that the recurring political crises and frequent changes in government have led to unresolved issues and accumulated problems in the SAA. “While refraining from making grand promises, I want to assure the SAA staff that the Bulgarian government is taking seriously the problems, deficits and shortcomings in SAA’s operations, especially in terms of material assets, technical support, and staff remuneration,” Zafirov said. “I hope that with joint efforts, and given the long-term perspective of this government, we can begin resolving these challenges in the coming months and years,” he said.

During the event, SAA Director Mihail Gruev presented awards to individuals and institutions for their contributions to the Agency’s work.