Topical Information

The joint video series of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) – “Mayor Cast: 30 Years in 30 Minutes” – continues, focusing on the successes, challenges, and future of Bulgarian municipalities.

The guest in the second episode is Zhelyazko Gagov, Mayor of Panagyurishte Municipality.

In his conversation with journalist Veselina Milanova, he speaks about the role of NAMRB as a natural unifier of local government and as an important partner for municipalities, regardless of their size and specific characteristics. According to him, one of the Association’s greatest strengths is the opportunity it provides for municipalities to work together, seek common solutions, and defend shared positions.

The Mayor of Panagyurishte emphasizes that municipalities often face similar problems, which is why it is important for local authorities to have a unified voice and a clear vision for the development of their communities.

In the episode, Zhelyazko Gagov also discusses Panagyurishte’s preparations for marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. He notes that the municipality has already begun serious organizational work on the initiative, and that, together with NAMRB, a plan and concept for the dignified commemoration of the anniversary have been prepared. Mayors from various municipalities have also actively joined the process, and the necessary documents have already been approved by the Council of Ministers.

“Mayor Cast: 30 Years in 30 Minutes” is a joint initiative of NAMRB and the Bulgarian National Radio, dedicated to the achievements, challenges, and future of Bulgarian municipalities. The series was created on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of NAMRB.

The series is part of the initiatives through which NAMRB marks its 30th anniversary and continues its mission to be the voice of Bulgarian municipalities.

NAMRB extends its gratitude to all mayors and their teams who participated in the realization of the series and made the creation of “Mayor Cast: 30 Years in 30 Minutes” possible.

Special thanks are also extended to the team of the Bulgarian National Radio – BNR Digital Programs Directorate:

• Author: Veselina Milanova
• Camera Operators: Kristian Bozov, Mihail Mihov
• Editing: Mihail Mihov
• Producers: Violeta Ashikova, Zlatko Zhelev
• Executive Producer: Ivo Todorov

Watch the second episode here: