Rumen Radev and Iliana Yotova get sworn in for second term in office

President Rumen Radev and Vice President Iliana Yotova have taken the oath in the National Assembly that during their second term in office they will abide by the Constitution and laws of the country and in all their actions they will be guided by the interests of the people.

"Democracy and the rule of law are the foundations we need to restore," President Rumen Radev said in his first address to the people and the National Assembly. According to him, the current crises, which are exacerbated and used behind the scenes, should not divert attention from strategic priorities.

"My duty as head of state is to bring back the agenda with the long-term goals of the nation, far beyond the horizon of political mandates - overcoming the demographic crisis; tackling poverty and inequality; raising the standard and quality of life; spiritual development; guaranteeing sovereignty and security; upholding national interests and dignity; affirming the positive image of our country abroad", the Bulgarian head of state pointed out.

GERB MPs left the plenary hall during Rumen Radev's speech, provoked by his words that during the first presidential term the old authoritarian model reached its apogee and the civil revolt against the mafiaization of power brought to the surface facts and processes that people used to keep silent about.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and other ministers, as well as Petar Stoyanov - President from 1997 to 2002, former Presidents of the National Assembly, members of the Constitutional Court, representatives of the diplomatic corps, registered religions, state institutions.

After the oath in the National Assembly, Patriarch Neophyte welcomed the President and the Vice-President in the Patriarchal Cathedral “St. Alexander Nevsky”, where he celebrated a solemn prayer on the occasion of their stepping into office on January 22 this year. /BGNES