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As the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) celebrates its 30th anniversary, we continue our special video series, "First-Hand Stories," in which the people who helped establish and shape the Association reflect on its beginnings, the challenges it faced, and its development over the past three decades.

The second episode features Ventsislav Varbanov, a member of the Initiative Committee that founded NAMRB and, at the time, Mayor of Dolni Dabnik Municipality.

He takes us back to a period when Bulgarian municipalities were striving to make their voices heard and defend the interests of their citizens. He recalls the years of intense political division in the country and the efforts of mayors from different political backgrounds to overcome those divisions in pursuit of a common goal—the establishment of a nationally representative organisation for local government.

According to Ventsislav Varbanov, it was the shared understanding that municipalities face common challenges, regardless of political affiliation, that laid the foundation for the unity leading to the establishment of NAMRB.

"Over the past 30 years, we have turned NAMRB into an institution. Its creation was essential to help solve people's problems—both in large and small municipalities, regardless of political affiliation."

These words capture the philosophy on which the Association was founded three decades ago: to serve as the united voice of Bulgarian municipalities and a reliable partner in strengthening local self-government.

Watch the second episode featuring Ventsislav Varbanov.

https://youtu.be/8CTfbd15bjY?si=dHijjCb4OyNsSZVn