If the political crisis continues, the lost benefits will reach a threshold from which Bulgarian business will begin to lose irreversible competitiveness due to a number of growing deficits in education, health care, infrastructure, regional development and demographics.
This was stated by President Rumen Radev at the 17th awarding ceremony for the winners of the “Manager of the Year” contest, quoted by BTA - media partner of the contest.
The head of state presented the “Manager of the Year” award. 2024 of Jesus Cabayero, CEO of "SOF Connect" AD (the operator of Sofia airport - note ed.).
I want to congratulate you on the enormous efforts you are making to compensate for the lack of political stability, said Rumen Radev and noted the problems in the rule of law and the protection of private property, the missed benefits under the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the successive postponement of our acceptance into Schengen and the Eurozone.
Every year since I have been president, I present this award and every year I listen carefully to the thoughts shared by the nominees, and every year I feel more and more proud and confident about the future of Bulgaria, said Radev. I see that we have leaders with an increasingly broad common culture and deep professional knowledge, who have mastered the art of leadership and the science of management. I see that we have leaders with a clear vision not only for the future of their company, but also of our society and Bulgaria, Rumen Radev pointed out.
When, during conversations with foreign heads of government and state, they ask me the question: “How can the Bulgarian economy grow, become more innovative and productive, with such prolonged political instability", I explain this Bulgarian paradox with you - the representatives of the honorable and progressive Bulgarian business, commented the head of state. He pointed out that the interest in Bulgaria is growing, thanks to the efforts of business.
I believe that we will continue to extract to an even greater extent all possible degrees from the tectonic displacement of the geopolitical layers and the opportunities that arise from this, Radev pointed out.
The most important thing is to ensure that our institutions take into account the aspirations and the standard set by Bulgarian society, as well as the standard set by progressive Bulgarian business, the president added.
Sofia Airport is the face of Bulgaria and Bulgarians are very fond of being proud of our face. I sincerely believe that this high distinction is a moral obligation to you, that you will fulfill all the commitments made when winning the concession, said Rumen Radev to Jesus Cabayero after he received the award.