POLSKI TRAMBESH, 2025-06-21
A Village’s Plea for Identity
Residents of Stefan Stambolovo want their village’s old name back.
- A referendum in Stefan Stambolovo showed overwhelming support for renaming the village to Garden.
- President Rumen Radev, who has the power to approve the name change, has not yet responded.
- The situation has sparked debate about the president’s commitment to honoring the will of the people.
The village of Stefan Stambolovo, located in the Polski Trambesh municipality, overwhelmingly voted to restore its original name, Garden, in an April 13 referendum; tho, President Rumen Radev, frequently enough called a guardian for “hearing the voice of people,” has yet to respond to the community’s wishes.
A Decisive Vote
On April 13, 102 out of 103 voters (out of 138 eligible) favored the name change, marking it as a definitive expression of the community’s desire. Despite the clear outcome and the presentation of the case to President Radev, no action has been taken.
The results of the referendum have not been appealed, which places the decision squarely with the Head of State.Locals report a lack of response from the presidency, with Marinet Yordanova, Chairman of the Municipal Council, stating, “There is no reaction. Everything like documentation is in the Presidency.”
Referendum’s Validity Questioned
The referendum’s legality has been debated. While initiated by a committee and approved by the Municipal Council, it may contravene the Law on Direct Participation. Local referendums should address issues within the local authority’s competence, and settlement names fall under the president’s purview.
Regardless of legal technicalities,the residents of Stefan Stambolovo have clearly voiced their preference.While the president is not obligated to comply, honoring the referendum’s outcome would reflect his stated commitment to “the voice of the people.” The two months since the vote should have provided ample time for a response, even if not a final decision.
Political Ties and Unresolved Issues
Georgi Chakarov, the Mayor of Polski Trambesh, was involved in the initiative to nominate Radev for a second term. However, this connection seemingly hasn’t expedited the village’s request.
The Case of Obzor
A similar situation occurred in 2021 in Obzor, where a referendum supported separation from the Municipality of Nessebar. Despite meeting the required threshold, the Head of State has yet to act on this decision, marking four years of inaction.
Question of Principles
Rumen Radev stated that “The referendum will be a sample for the democracy of the current National Assembly. It will show who accepts the principles of democracy and who refuses the Bulgarians the right to resolve their future” when discussing a national consultation on the euro. This statement highlights the apparent contradiction between his words and actions regarding the referendums in Obzor and Stefan Stambolovo.
Beyond Stefan Stambolovo: referendum Challenges in Bulgaria
The situation in Stefan Stambolovo, where a 99% vote to restore the village’s original name, Garden, has been met with presidential silence, is not an isolated incident. It spotlights a broader pattern of delayed action and potential disregard for the outcomes of local referendums in bulgaria. Other instances further illustrate the complex relationship between the “voice of the people” and the actions of the Head of State.
The seemingly arbitrary handling of the Stefan Stambolovo referendum raises critical questions. Why is the President seemingly ignoring a clear expression of the villagers’ will? What principles guide his decision-making regarding local referendums in Bulgaria?
Examining the Legal Framework
The legal landscape surrounding referendums in Bulgaria is complex. While the constitution provides for the right to direct participation, the specific procedures and scope of local referendums are subject to interpretation and, as the situation in Stefan stambolovo shows, possibly subject to political considerations. The lack of a clear legal obligation for the President to act on a non-binding referendum creates room for inaction.
The Law on Direct Participation dictates that local referendums should address issues within the local authority’s competence. Though, the renaming of a settlement falls under the purview of the president. This legal nuance allows for potential delays or refusals based on the legal technicalities of the way the referendum was conducted – in this case, the argument that the referendum was not legally sound.
impact Beyond Politics
Delayed decisions or inaction on referendum results have critically important consequences beyond the political sphere. the people’s sense of belonging, local identity, and their faith in the democratic process can be seriously affected for residents of Stefan stambolovo and other affected communities. Moreover, a pattern of disregard for referendum outcomes might erode public trust. These could be interpreted as a sign that the government is not accountable.
Consider these points:
- Community Cohesion: Restoration of an old name frequently enough reflects a desire to reconnect with historical roots and strengthen the community’s identity.
- Civic Engagement: Referendums are essential tools of direct democracy, and their results provide a tangible basis for citizens’ participation. A lack of action can discourage future participation.
- Local Development: A village’s name is a critical aspect of its image. Changing the name may encourage tourism or local development endeavors.
Actions for Affected Communities
If a referendum result is not honored, affected communities have a few options.
- Lobbying: Directly address the President with letters, petitions.
- Public Awareness: Use media outreach to spotlight the issue and engage a broader audience.
- Legal Action: Seek a judicial review of the President’s inaction.
Let’s debunk common misconceptions about referendums:
Myth: The President must always follow the results of a local referendum. Fact: In Bulgaria, this is not always the case, especially for non-binding referendums on matters outside local authority competence.
Myth: Local referendums are always legally straightforward. Fact: Legal complexities, such as the scope of authority, influence the implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions:
Q: Why might a president disregard a local referendum?
A: The president might cite legal technicalities, national interests, or the non-binding nature of the referendum.
Q: What recourse do communities have if a referendum is ignored?
A: Communities can lobby the government, make public outreach, or consider legal challenges.
Q: Is the Stefan Stambolovo case isolated?
A: No, evidence from obzor indicates a broader pattern of inaction on referendum results.
Q: What’s next for Stefan Stambolovo?
A: The villagers continue to urge the Head of State to either act on their behalf or specify why their request cannot be fulfilled. They hope for a definitive response.
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