Topical Information

During the second panel of the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities, dedicated to municipal investment, local economic development and infrastructure connectivity, Daniel Panov, Chair of the Managing Board of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, delivered a number of direct messages to representatives of the Government.

He emphasised the need for greater responsiveness and accountability in addressing municipal challenges, as well as a more active role for both expert and managerial levels within ministries, state agencies and public enterprises in decision-making and in resolving the specific issues raised by local authorities.

The Chair of NAMRB stated that local government is increasingly concerned about delays in a number of important processes and the lack of sufficiently timely solutions to the problems facing municipalities.

“Mayors are becoming increasingly frustrated. It is not our fault that governments change every year—or every three months.”

Mr Panov pointed out that citizens are not concerned with institutional or financial explanations; they expect tangible results. According to him, local authorities face daily public dissatisfaction caused by delayed construction works, excavated streets, water and sanitation problems, and insufficient funding to complete projects that have already begun.

“We cannot leave streets dug up, pavements unfinished and people without water. Projects have been started and they must be completed.”

The Chair of NAMRB stressed that, despite the difficult state of public finances, the Government must find solutions to secure the resources needed to complete ongoing investments.

He called on state institutions to focus on finding solutions rather than explaining why problems cannot be resolved.

“Let us not justify ourselves by referring to those who came before us. Let us find solutions and move forward.”

In his remarks, Mr Panov also stated that NAMRB will continue to actively raise all urgent issues and proposals submitted by municipalities before the Council of Ministers.

“We expect solutions to the issues we have raised. We need decisions that are both swift and timely.”

One of the most serious challenges facing local government, according to Mr Panov, is the continued delay in advancing fiscal decentralisation.

“We have been talking about decentralisation for years. Today, municipalities are experiencing exactly the opposite—ever greater centralisation.”

He concluded by calling for concrete action to strengthen the financial autonomy of Bulgarian municipalities and to ensure that local authorities are equipped with the resources and responsibilities necessary to respond effectively to the needs of their communities.