Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Young Bulgarians and elections

Photo: library

The political parties continue to find it difficult to reach the young voters. It turns out that attracting younger people as members of political parties is not enough to reach the young voters. The parties need to be more sincere and willing to address issues in various fields-culture, education, youth policy, etc.

Change is the most common word used in conversations among young people.

“I only want future and an opportunity for change”, said in an interview for BNR-Varna eighteen-year-old student Daniel Lukanov.

Daniel will vote for the first time at the forthcoming general elections at the end of the week, but he already knows what is important for him:

“He who wants to rule must first learn how not to be ruled. This is something the political candidates are lacking a lot.”

Other young people are also willing to cast their ballots. They have not yet decided who to vote for on April 4. However, they are convinced that they must vote, because in their view, voting is their civic duty, indicates a survey conducted by Valeri Velikov from BNR-Varna.

“I will definitely vote at the forthcoming elections, contends eighteen-year-old Vazkresia. We are young and want to change the status quo. However, voting is the only way to change the status quo, regardless of whether the people we vote for would enter the next Parliament or not.”

Vazkresia and her friends Viktoria and Andrea are interested in politics and the political developments in their country. Two of them are considering leaving Bulgaria and making career abroad. However, they would change their mind, if they feel that the much-desired change begins in this country. “We will know that change is here when young people are not willing to leave their country anymore”, contend the three Bulgarian students.

Their friends Georgi and Alexander will also cast their ballots on April 4. They voiced hopes that their votes would help reduce corruption and ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Konstantin Pramatarov, who studies political science and Chinese in Vienna, will also exercise his constitutional right to vote. He wants to return to Bulgaria one day, but until then, this country’s authorities must solve a series of social and political problems.

“The motivation of the government to help the young people return to Bulgaria and contribute to the development of our economy is something that can make me go back to my home country”, said Konstantin.

Sociologist Mira Radeva has a very long experience in this field and knows well the profiles of all voters. In her view, competence and responsibility are the factors that make young people be more active during the polling day:

“The eighteen-year-old people are willing to vote, because they do something new. However, all surveys indicate that they are less competent and find it difficult to choose. In such cases, they consult their close relatives, if these people talk about politics at all.”

Young people are encouraged to vote when they become parents, said Mira Radeva:

“Then, they start thinking about all problems related to taxes, prices, wages, budget, healthcare and education, which are of direct concern to them, because they become responsible for someone else. They start to develop competence and knowledge and become more active.”

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev (interview by Valeri Velikov, BNR-Varna)

English version: Kostadin Atanasov



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Balkan Developments

Romanian parties form coalition to defend the country's European path Romanian President Klaus Iohannis convened the country's new parliament on December 20. The parliamentary elections, which were held on December 1,..

published on 12/13/24 5:04 PM
President Rumen Radev

President Radev comments on his refusal to invite DPS-New Beginning to consultations

''The talks with a parliamentary group which had stated categorically in advance that it would not participate in the process of forming a government and calls for immediate new elections are pointless'', President Rumen Radev said with regard to his..

published on 12/12/24 9:42 AM
President Rumen Radev

Last day of consultations with the President on the formation of the Cabinet 

President Rumen Radev's consultations with parliamentary groups continue. Today, he will meet representatives of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (led by Ahmed Dogan), There is Such a People (ITN) and MECH. Radev has already held talks with..

published on 12/12/24 8:15 AM