Former caretaker prime minister Stefan Yanev criticized the way in which the problems with roads and infrastructure in Bulgaria are approached. According to him, there is a lack of long-term planning, and actions are taken in a campaign style.
The campaign approach to problems
"Unfortunately, we see these problems when we talk about infrastructure — about what surrounds us as a public good, what should be built for us, for the community, for the citizens, with our money. But it is not done like people. The problem is that it is not done systematically. The problem is that we act in a campaign style, as is the case with today's 37 measures. I suppose that some of them will be good and will work over time. But why do we resort to campaign actions? Because we do not have normal planning, we do not have a cyclical nature in the construction and maintenance of the entire infrastructure, "said Yanev in the studio of "Denyat ON AIR".
He emphasized that the lack of sustainable policies leads to the collapse of the infrastructure, including roads, bridges and tunnels, and this directly threatens the lives of citizens.
Yanev gave examples of the chronic underconstruction of key highways such as "Hemus" and "Struma", which have become symbols of institutional powerlessness and anti-planning.
Corruption as the root of the infrastructure collapse
The root of the problem, according to him, is systemic corruption. Theft and improper spending of public funds create "holes" not only in the budget, but also on the roads – literally and figuratively. Financial deficits are piling up, and there is no clear responsibility for them. This leads to distrust and a breakdown in public relations.
"Resignations would not solve the problem, but protests must continue. Because protests are the breeding ground for public relations. We are starting to lose connections with each other as a society, as a community. Even when it comes to the small community of one street, one block, one village or neighborhood and so on. These public relations, when they are strong enough, allow people to more easily raise the issues that need to be taken into account. And this is most clearly expressed through protest, of course. Without returning to the foundation of public relations, the relations between ourselves, we cannot make progress," the former prime minister commented to Bulgaria ON AIR.
According to him, the last decades have led to the erosion of social cohesion and a sense of belonging - something that has been undermined by both foreign influences and internal inaction.
Regarding security systems, Yanev was categorical that it is not enough to just pour in funds. Control, accountability and transparency are needed to avoid abuses.
Giving money to institutions such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the army must be tied to results and real efficiency, he believes. Otherwise, even with the best intentions, the funds become fodder for corrupt practices.