Host (Lora Indzhova): The show "Your Day" continues, dear viewers. We're stepping into the political topic today, joined by Associate Professor Valeria Kardashevska and Maxim Behar. Hello, and welcome! Happy holiday!

Maxim Behar: Happy holiday to everyone! It's a wonderful day – almost a national holiday.

Host: But is it a celebration in the political field, given what we've seen in rhetoric over the past two days with the election results, the way Election Day went, what we saw on video monitoring, and the discrepancies in the vote count?

Maxim: Let's close the book on history and return to November 1, 2024. Whatever we say about history, from a pragmatic perspective, we need to focus on what's happening now. For years, intellectuals have gathered and drafted many petitions, yet I can't recall one that has made a difference. The most important thing now is to talk about art. In recent elections, we witnessed the art of vote-buying, winning elections, and corporate voting. Now, it's time for a different art form, something no one in Bulgaria has mastered – the art of compromise. We need a government and leaders who will look at where Bulgaria stands, how to manage inflation, draft a new budget, and allocate funds for culture and education. Compromise should be the dominant theme, which is far more critical than national holidays. Remember that election story from 15 years ago in America, when George Bush won over Al Gore by 250-300 votes? It's a classic example – I refer to the 20 or so votes that are missing for Velichie. What's done is done. If there's a violation, if those votes can be restored or the election annulled, let the courts have their say.

Host: Isn't the problem precisely this "what's done is done" attitude? When it's time for compromise, are the political forces prepared, given the situation, and in light of what the monitoring has shown? There were 28 votes, later reduced to 21. Last night, Milena Kirova's BNT report indicated these votes actually exist but were simply misplaced in the vote calculation. The issue lies not with a specific political entity but with how results are processed, counted, and transferred.

Assoc. Prof. Valeria Kardashevska: Have you noticed how vote-buying is presented almost as expected – with so many signals and attempts to buy votes? Just because it has happened in past elections doesn't mean it's normal.

Host: It's not a new phenomenon, true, but we shouldn't accept it as normal. I agree.

Maxim: But we can't prevent it, especially we, here in the studio.

Host: The Central Election Commission, meanwhile, says they have no authority to count or take action.

Maxim: And we can't prevent it, either. That's why, from a purely communicative perspective, I want to see politicians allow the court to do their job – the judiciary is separate from the state and the highest institution. Politicians need to look where Bulgaria is heading. This is the seventh election in a short time and beyond the vast amounts spent – about a billion, which could have gone to education or healthcare, even for building hospitals. But let's say this is the price of democracy, and democracy is a costly affair. But now, in November 2024, we need mature politicians to set aside their egos, sit face-to-face, and meet without saying they can't work with one or another party. We need politicians who say what they can do, not what they can't. For the past week, all we hear is petty quarrels. They didn't even have a leaders' debate or a real discussion on strategies and concepts. If you consider the principle of moving Bulgaria forward, there's no more important principle. Bulgaria must be seen as a progressive European nation filled with young, ambitious, intelligent people – but no one knows that. Imagine what investors think of the current situation in Bulgaria – this is critical for business and the economy. While nothing dramatic is happening, our elected politicians need to learn to compromise and look a bit further ahead if they can. If they can't – then we need new elections.

Host: Are you optimistic that Bulgaria will have a regular government in the 51st Parliament?

Maxim: We, the voters in Bulgaria, are tired of voting. But the politicians are also tired of running campaigns and participating in elections.

Host: And their funds will soon run out.

Maxim: Yes, the funds of the politicians. After seven elections, seven campaigns, and seven attempts, reason will likely prevail, and Bulgaria will have a government. I'm very optimistic – in English, this is called "wishful thinking." I really hope so. I see reasonable people in Parliament, not just the negative ones who give off bad energy when we see them on screen. But despite that, I'm sure there are rational people in Parliament who understand there's nothing more important than moving Bulgaria forward.

Host: In light of today, if you had a message for our viewers, what would it be?

Maxim: The "awakeners" are the people in our companies and offices – the managers and mentors - those who teach the young how to make money, work well, and become good professionals. Indeed, writers, composers, musicians, and artists, too. But in times of crisis, we must focus on those from whom we learn, wherever they may be. It could be a small company with three people, but if the manager is talented and capable, charismatic and charming, wise and far-sighted enough to teach three people who will teach three more, this is awakening.

Host: Thank you! I would add that each of us, even in our personal life, in informal communication, is a kind of awakener because we can help each other, encourage each other, and give a nudge when someone falls behind – literally and figuratively.

Maxim: That's the most essential awakening - coming from the people around us. And, one more note: the media, people with influence, also play this role.

 

Watch the full interview here.