Civil organizations are once again nominating Maya Manolova for ombudsman.
At a press conference at the BTA National Press Club, 23 human rights, consumer, environmental, patient, industry, pensioner, youth, disabled people and others organizations stood behind Manolova, who was already elected to this position nearly 10 years ago. Another 10 organizations expressed support for her candidacy.
Penka Georgieva from the patient organization "Together with You" said that in her first term, Manolova defended the rights of patients. She called on the deputies to abstain from politics when voting for the ombudsman.
Desislava Filipova - lawyer and chairwoman of the "Center for European Integration of Bulgaria and the Protection of Human Rights" foundation pointed out that a number of successes have been achieved in Manolova's first term. The ombudsman must be strong, active and uncompromising, Filipova pointed out.
Velizar Enchev, who is part of an initiative to boycott retail chains, said that they also stand behind Manolova. He suggested that the ombudsman be elected directly by the people.
Manolova is a person of causes, she will work to protect people's rights, said representatives of civil society organizations.
We all realize that in times of crisis, people need protection and support more than ever, from a true and independent, courageous public defender. Among the main priorities is for the ombudsman to be on the ground. This way, people's rights can be protected on the ground. The protection of vulnerable groups - children, people with disabilities, socially disadvantaged people, minorities, victims of violence - is also important, said Maya Manolova.
Another priority is the protection of people's rights from economically powerful organizations, as well as the right to a transparent, accountable administration, said Manolova.
According to her, the ombudsman must have an active position on important legislative initiatives that relate to people's rights.
A few days ago, 120 non-governmental organizations nominated the former GERB MP Dzhema Grozdanova for ombudsman.
The former Minister of Justice in the "Saxe-Coburg-Gotha" cabinet, Anton Stankov, has also been nominated for the position. The proposal was submitted on March 7 on behalf of the Non-Profit Association for Public Benefit "Association Bulgarian School of Politics Dimitar Panitsa". Dzhema Grozdanova is also joining the fight.