How can you enter the state power even the age of 30?

12/08/09

If we are not the largest, at least we are at a working organization, ensure the youth of GERB.


They say they have no political experience, but they are tireless, with many ideas and zeal. They are eager to enforce EU rules in the country and even to wake the sleepy civil society.

Accidentally or not, most numerous in voting for GERB in the last elections was precisely the group of young people. Unlike the BSP, whose young supporters may be listed on tiptoe and it's getting noisily past them only during elections, the youth from the youth organization of GERB (MGERB) are categorical that their opinion weighs. They show a proof - 21 of their 116 members are young people below 31 years and 5 of them are between 25 and 28.

Monika Hans Panayotova is only 26, but now she’s an MP and head of the youth organization of GERD, numbering almost 4500 enthusiasts. At first she becomes a member of the association GERB - submits her documents to the site of the organization (www.gerb.bg), then has a call. Subsequently becomes a founder and a member of the GERB party. She’s been responsible for the young in Sofia for and then has been elected president of MGERB. "We grow a step. Who comes with the expectation that the party is a springboard for a rapid career ascent, remains frustrated," she says.

Doors in MGERB are open to all members of GERB by 18-31. There are no barriers other than those prescribed by law. For this purpose, those who wish must complete the questionnaire and submit a CV. For the founders of the party the selection has been more stringent - a recommendation has been required. For example, in the youth organization of GERB sneaks Burgas rapper Todor Yosifov (The Maniac). His songs (like "Boom Mada faka") and activities became popular in the community after he was elected MP and the media got interested in him. All these facts prompted Boyko Borisov, to respond him. "I disagree with him, with all my respect," Boyko cut, but did not specify what precisely he didn’t agree. In return, he decided to send him to the executive.

Monika Panayotova’s opinion is that even on this position Toshko will prove his skills. Me and my colleagues are very pleased with his work as a coordinator of the Burgas-MGERB. From the very beginning he lived with the GERB project. To succeed on a daily basis to motivate 100 people in your organization without their pay set means that you have quality," says she. The young MP admitted that, as everywhere, people show to be interested in the youth organization, seeing in GERB a possibility of a tearing career. But later they are disappointed.

MGERB is proud of the fact that most of their members learn and work together, others are already with a solid education - law, international relations, accounting, finance- and they work mostly in private business. There are even those with their own business - for example in advertising or tourism. The coordinator of the MGERB organization in Sofia – Joanna Dochevska (25) is a manager in the family travel agency.

The 26-year-old lawmaker Alexander Nenkov, passionate fan of Manchester United and Levski, also had a real estate company. He leaves it, however, as other activities in private business, which has been engaged in because of the party. His progress in the party has become quite smooth, although his father - the famous Judge Rumen Nenkov, Boyko Borisov knows personally. He has met Tsvetan Tsvetanov thanks to his mother, who worked for years in the Metropolitan Municipality. And when there is no formal organization, he begins to make friends with the youth structure of GERB. Elevated to coordinator of the 23rd multi-constituency in Sofia and now he is an MP and a member of the Committee on Regional Development.

The 25-year-old lawmaker Georgi Andonov handled thousands of acres of fields 5 years.. As a former player he intends to carry the accumulated skills from sport to politics. "In football I play as a midfielder - the midfielder creates the game and I hope to be a midfielder in the Parliamentary Group of GERB, too" he said recently on BTV. According to him the difference between the field and the National Assembly is only in the situation - tensions and responsibilities there were large, too.

In addition to preparing specialists, young people in GERB have taken two more tasks - to pursue initiatives promoting democratic governance and the principles of civil society, and to establish contacts with international youth organizations. For this purpose, they organize celebrations of national holidays, they make campaigns to encourage young people to vote, handle out postcards and books for the EU and take part in training games in schools.

Some ideas of young people are in the educational program of GERB. One example is the establishment of a link between market demand and supply from universities. The ways how this can happen are being discussed and one option could be through the introduction of tax incentives for companies employing young people. "It is not clear when it may happen, but in any case we are looking for options," commented Monika Panayotova. Another idea is intended to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit - for the purpose MGERB urge businesses to start happening with 1 euro, but not as far - available with 5000 levas "The realization of this measure, however, depends on the update of the status and priority, respectively, the budget implementation " the young MP states.

Her colleague from Vidin - Lubomila Stanislavova, also on 26, and also an MP, still has no concrete idea of legislative changes, but will certainly work for the development of cultural tourism in Bulgaria. For example, she intends to help implementing the request of the people from the village of Rabisha - to turn an old building in the village in mini museum where remains of a nearby cave – Magurata to be exposed. "Tourists who come to Bulgaria, want to see not only tourist sites but also to get acquainted with our culture”, she is convinced.

"If we are not the largest, at least we are the most united and working youth organization," Milen says, coordinator of MGERB in Kyustendil. Only for an year he has held 35-40 civic initiatives, no celebration of holidays included. It includes donations to orphanages, which in his words " are not placard or intended to extract political dividends”, planting trees, cleaning of gardens, youth participation in debates and others. "Our goal is to make people feel more European, more imaginative, to awake the sleepy civil society," Milen said. As one of the main problems in city he lives is the deteriorated demographic situation, through seminars and trainings he tries to convince young people to keep living and working in Kyustendil.

According Lubomila fact that the leadership offered them the great responsibility to be MPs, means they trust them and in future there will be continuity, too. The young MP has not yet felt contempt for the fragile age from the GERB group.

Her colleague Monika doesn’t seem to be discouraged, although she was not included in either of the two commissions she was most interested in - that of European Affairs (because she has worked on various projects for the integration of countries from Eastern Europe) and that of Education and science (because her priorities are the youth). "I'm not offended, our lawmakers are 116, we reduced the number of committees and we had to stand by our balance," she said, and promised to give all her energy into the Foreign Affairs Committee, where she is a member. She is not refused by the previous intentions - to work for updating the strategy for young people and establishing a law on the green card that may facilitate the access of citizens of Bulgarian origin to the labor market. "Decisions are made by party leader, but based on all the opinions that he heard," she said.

The duration of the leader’s favour depends on a lot of things. They say that the younger a man is the less dependent he is on elders’ mistakes. But very soon we will see whether young people from GERB will have the power to oppose their leaders, if necessary. And how will they manage to preserve of family-generic method for completing the party structures, typical of most parties.

Structures of MGERB continue the good practice of organized regional meetings

09/08/09

On the 8th and 9th of August in the city of Kyustendil a regional meeting between the youth structures of Kyustendil and Bobov Dol and the members of the national and Sofia executives has been carried out. At the invitation of the regional coordinator of MGERB to meet the youth from South-West Bulgaria in Kyustendil went Monika Panayotova – chairwoman of MGERB and member of the 41st Parliament, Stefka Ikonomova – organizational secretary of MGERB, Joanna Dochevska – coordinator of MGERB Sofia and Anna Pashanska – organizational secretary of MGERB Sofia.

The two day meeting made the guests of Kyustendil familiar with the local sights (the “Hisarlaka” fortress, the antique amphitheater, the monastery of Ruen, which impressed everybody with its charm and tranquility) as well as the priorities which the local structure of MGERB will accomplish in the months to come. The host, Milen Nikolov, presented the work of MGERB Kyustendil and the success achieved in the last European and National elections and pointed out the active participation of the youth in the campaigns. On their part Monika Panayotova and Stefka Ikonomova introduced the local organization with the forthcoming events of MGERB – second Summer University, which will take place on the 3rd to 6th of September in Varna and the third Political Academy, the date of which is still being discussed. Monika, who apart from being chairwoman of the youth recently became a member of the Bulgarian parliament, expressed her satisfaction of the civil activity of the youth in Bulgaria. She wished them always to work together and back each other in the team they have created. Joanna Dochevska and Anna Pashanska presented in short the activity of the Sofia organization and proposed some good practices to be implemented by the Kyustendil organization to raise the efficiency.

A Representative of MGERB participated in the discussion “Bulgaria after the elections”

26/07/09

On the 22nd of July in Grand Hotel “Sofia” a discussion “Bulgaria after the elections” took place, which coincided with the annual scholarship awards of “Konrad Adenauer” foundation. The discussion was opened by Andreas von Beloff – the director of the “Konrad Adenauer” bureau in Sofia, who cordially greeted and welcomed the scholars of the foundation.

Tanya Tsvetkova – representative of MGERB Sofia – took part in the discussion. She took the opportunity to express her gratitude towards “Konrad Adenauer” foundation for its overall beneficial contribution and constant support. The importance of the last parliamentary elections was pointed out as well as the high turn out and the substantial number of young people who become members of the 41st parliament (from PP GERB 21 of them are below 35). The three main priorities of The Young Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria were mentioned namely – the preparation of cadres (the summer university and the two consecutive political academies of MGERB were mentioned), the conduction of civil initiatives on national and regional level as well as active international activity (the acceptation of MGERB as a full member of EDS, and joining the YEPP family – the two youth organizations of the European People’s Party).

At the end of the meeting an opportunity was given to the scholars to raise questions and proposals about the activity of the young people in politics.

On its part the directory of the foundation’s bureau in Sofia greeted MGERB for its good election results and expressed its readiness to aid the development of MGERB and the Bulgarian civil society in future.

...

...

Monika Panayotova: I don’t feel as if I am in the shadow of Mr. Borissov, even the opposite

26/06/09

He gives a chance for development for everyone who has proven that is able to take responsibility, says the majoritarian electoral candidate in Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region. She states that GERB’s MP’s will be just as disciplined as the councillors in the Sofia Municipality.

Monika Panayotova is 25 years old and is the majoritarian electoral candidate in Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region. She is the Chairwoman of MGERB. She has graduated the University for National and World Economy, with an MA in “International Economic Relations”. She had been the Director of “Projects and Relations with Society” in the Economic Policy Institute until last year. She has the command of English and French. Monika is the youngest majoritarian electoral candidate in all of Sofia’s three majoritarian electoral regions. Statistically she is ten years younger then the rest of the party’s candidates for MP’s.

What is the motive for a young person to get involved in politics?

I have always wanted to get involved in politics, even after I finished high school. I wanted to study International Relations and fortunately I had the opportunity. However before I found GERB I couldn’t get involved, because I couldn’t find a party, which gave priority to the young and which could attract me with its politics. I think that the main motive that the young need to have when entering politics is that politics is the only way to change the system. When you get involved you can work towards the change you desire and show a good example to everyone else. I never said it was going to be easy, but if more people get involved we could really make a change, otherwise the negative attitude towards politics will never change.

Do you think that the politicians hear the voice of young people between 20 and 30 years?

The voice of the young is heard in our organization, everyone above the age of 18 can express their opinion, but it is also important for that voice to be rich in content. The young n GERB are encouraged to have ideas, initiatives and to express their opinion. That’s why they are initiators and not only executors. There are youth’s who have proven their worth and abilities and are part of the party’s Expert Commissions. They are treated with respect and viewed as equals. I am sure that this behavior towards the young will be continue on a national level if the citizens support us on the 5th of July.

What needs to be changed regarding the attitude of the young towards politics and the politic regarding young people?

Politics regard the young in many different spheres – education, health care and the demographic situation. The problem comes when decisions about the youth policy are taken without asking for the opinion of the young. That’s why the connection is lost. In order to stay connected young people need to constantly express their opinion and from the other side the politicians need to consider their opinions and to reach decisions after they have considered the voice of the young.

How would you answer a critic who says that the young don’t carry experience, which is vital for the work of a MP?

Experience is a child of though, though is a child of action in other words experience isn’t only determined from age, but also from activity. I have been working since my first year in university and I think that we all have seen “experienced” politicians. Let’s give a chance to the new faces.

How can a young MP shield himself from the bad practices we have become witness of in the National Assembly, such as voting with other people’s cards and lobbyism?

I would personally never vote with a card which isn’t mine. I don’t believe my colleagues would do it as well. You can see the discipline in Sofia’s local Parliament. I think that we will carry this discipline over to the National Assembly. Lobbyism isn’t viewed as negative in Europe, but here we don’t have a law for lobbyism. A law regarding lobbyism needs to be created and enforced.

There is an accusation towards all of GERB’s candidates, which states that they stay behind the shadow of their leader. Do you feel in such a position?

I wouldn’t say that I feel in the shadow of anyone, even the opposite. Mr. Borissov guaranties and gives an opportunity for development for everyone that has proven their worth, has been constant and is a responsible team player. He has voted trust in me, which I need to uphold.

The young candidates are certainly not the most popular. What do you think you can achieve before the 5th of July so that you can convince the voting citizens to give their votes for you?

With the help of my colleagues from GERB and especially MGERB I try to be really close to the problems of the citizens, to listen to them and to express my priorities. There are many informational stations in the 24th majoritarian electoral region and we also express our position on the Internet, because that’s the space of the young. The contact with the citizens is the most important, because you always need to listen to their opinion and base your decisions on it.

In the majoritarian system there is a more specific commitment towards the voters. What commitment did you take towards the voters, when commitment would mean achievement?

As a majoritarian candidate I have two main priorities, which are connected to the experience I have: “To prove that Bulgaria can work for the young and with the young”, to make a strategy which will mobilize the potential of the young and invest into it and to create a Law for the Youth. A National Youth Council needs to be created so that the dialogue between the institutions and the young can be optimized and so that the young can participate in the development of the different sectors. The other priority is connected with foreign policy and the creation for a law connected with the “Green Cards”, so that more Bulgarians can gain access to the labor market. There also needs to be better public and parliamentary control related to Bulgaria’s Diplomatic Missions abroad and especially ending the political appointment connected to Diplomatic staff.

Interview made by: Svilen Krustev

Monika Panayotova towards BSP: You had the opportunity to fulfill your priorities, but you didn’t

24/06/09

 The majoritarian candidate from the 24th majoritarian electoral region Monika Panayotova took part in the fourth political debate organised by the “Friedrich Ebert” Foundation and the Centre for Culture and Debate “The Red House”. The debates put against each other young politicians from different parties. On the 24th of June the representatives from the different youth organizations debated on the topic “Social priorities in the next Bulgarian Government”. The debate was opened by the Director of “Friedrich Ebert Stiftung” in Bulgaria Dr. Marc Meinardus. He welcomed all of the participants in the debate: Monika Panayotova the Chairwoman of MGERB, Boris Vardev from NMSS, Stoyan Mihalev from the Blue Coalition, Evdokia Asenova from BSP and Lalo Kamenov from the MRF. The journalist Boiko Vasilev was the moderator of the debate and he explained the reasons for the debate. The debate is being made so the young can be heard, so they can express their position and their ideas, as well as their opinion and suggestions about the European Development of Bulgaria. Vasilev also said that the young need to take an active part in the development of Bulgaria for a better future.

During the debate Monika Panayotova stressed that BSP’s priorities in their Governing Policies from 2005, 2007 and 2009 in Education, Energy and Infrastructure are basically the same, but formulated in different words. “You had the opportunity to fulfill your priorities, but you didn’t”, were Monika Panayotova’s words towards the BSP representative in the debate. The representative of The Independent Syndicates in Bulgaria Atanaska Todorova congratulated all of the participants in the debate for knowing their political parties Governing Policies.

The discussion continued after the end of the debate and Monika Panayotova had the opportunity to hear the audience’s point of view on the debate.

Even the young in GERB know that BSP and DPS want low electoral activity

22/06/09

Even the young in GERB know that BSP and DPS want low electoral activity

Interview made for Dnes.bg by: Andrei Lubenov

Monika Panayotova is one of the new faces in our political life. She comes forward in the elections for MEP’s where she is placed 7th on GERB’s list. Now she is the majoritarian candidate in Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region.
There she will face the current Education Minister – Daniel Vulchev and the leader of the Blue Coalition Martin Dimitrov. BSP’s candidate is the Executive Director of the Agency for Energy Efficiency.

How long have you been in GERB?

 
I have been part of GERB even before there was an official party, which would mean that I am part of GERB for approximately three years. At the moment I am the Chairwoman of MGERB.

What have you learned about politics so far?

 
Politics are a game and the deeper you get more and more idealism fades. It’s more then well known that some write the screen play and others play it. But if you manage to get involved in both you can work and set a good behavior so things get done in the right way. That’s why I believe more young people need to enter politics. By young I don’t mean young in age I mean people who are specialists in their spheres, competent Bulgarians who have so far stayed away from politics.
We need to put an end to the opinion that politics are a place for personal benefit. A way for the capable needs to be made and there is still a lot of work to be done in that direction.

Is GERB an authoritarian party?

 
Authoritarian? No. GERB is a party with a leader, it’s completely normal. The energy of Mr. Borissov is a driving force and when you earn his trust on the basis of results you also get freedom. Everyone has a chance for contribution. We are a team!

As a new figure in politics, what would you like to tell the young Bulgarians?

 
I want to tell them to be active and to take part in political life, because that is the only way to change the model and the figures which we have seen for so long.

How can this be achieved? How can people start being interested in politics?

 
When you vote you determine your way of life. The fact that your vote determines your future needs to motivate you enough to go and vote. People need to view politics as something positive, rather then something negative. Political parties need to stop viewing citizens only as voters. The political parties need to think about the citizens, rather then to remember about them only before elections. That’s why we keep constant contact with citizens, not only when we are in a campaign.

You are a majoritarian candidate from GERB. Do you think the changes in the election rules and the added element of majoritarian voting is something useful?

 
No. The change of the rules occurred too late and it’s rather confusing to the general public. There is no though behind this system and it would not lead to satisfactory results. As well as it doesn’t permit Bulgarian citizens living outside of Bulgaria to vote for majoritarian candidates. I am personally in favor of the proportional system of voting with preferential votes (like the system which was used for the elections for European Parliament). From one side the voter can choose the person he wishes to support from the parties voting paper and from the other side the party guarantees for all of the candidates.

Why did the campaign for National Parliament and for European Parliament pass in such a strange way, filled with more hate between the contestants, rather then ideas?

 
The campaign really passed in a strange way. Rather then seeking support based on ideas the parties attacked each other. This is in the best interest for some of the political parties, which seek to repulse the electors from politics and to distract the people from the real problems and the solutions that need to be taken. I am really happy that GERB has an entirely positive campaign, which is the European way.

Which political parties do you have in mind?

 
Well BSP and DPS. These are the parties that have constant voters and they have interest in lower election activity. That’s why it’s really hard to have a real pre-election political debate.

Will GERB be able to make sure that everyone votes with their own cards?

 
I strongly believe so. We proved that we are capable to do so in Sofia’s Municipal Council. I think we will be able to do it in the National Assembly as well.

What would be the first law you would submit for discussion, if you become a MP?

 
They are two. One of them has to do with the youth and the other with foreign policy. The Law for the Youth needs to be created on the base of an updated Strategy for the development of the Youth. Again we put the young in the centre of our politic. They are the future of our country and there is no doubt that we need to work in their favor. Also a law regarding the “Green Cards” needs to be made so Bulgarian citizens living outside of Bulgaria can gain better access to our labor market.

Monika Panayotova: If you want to be a politic, you need to be a slave of society

17/06/09

The “Old Dogs” in politics are well know, but we have all seen the flip side of the coin, says Monika Panayotova – Chairwoman of MGERB


Interview made by: Anna Kocheva

You are going up against “old dogs” in Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region. Would you be able to win against the rival politicians who will most certainly relay on their reputation?

If the voters lay their trust on me I can succeed. It is true that these politicians are well known, but they have shown what they are capable of. I think we have all seen the flipside of the coin.
There are three things a political force needs in order to have the potential to govern over the country. It needs to have good experts, political will and it needs the support of the citizens. I believe that GERB is the only party that has all three of those elements and the other parties lack some of them. A political image can be made by a sensation or by achieved results. I have always proved so far what I can do through my work, action and results. I think this is the right way. It might be the slower way, but through it you can prove what you have achieved and not what you promised to achieve.

You are the Chairwoman of MGERB. People are expecting you to be young and energetic. Everyone is tired of boring talk and the same political messages, how will you prove that you are really different and full of energy?

This is true. The politicians need to be close to the citizens at all times. There can’t be a successive policy if it doesn’t include the citizens. That’s why me and my colleagues meet the citizens face to face and listen to their problems. I also have an internet page - http://monikapanayotova.blog.bg/. MGERB will also continue its initiative “Vote, so you can be heard”, through the European Elections and the National Elections. I just hope that there is enough media coverage, so more young people can understand why it is important to vote. Our campaign targets the voters who put thought to their vote, who vote for a good political program and for specific priorities. That’s why I think many people will give their votes for us and stand up against those that go against democracy.
When working with wonderful young people and personal from GERB, there is no way not to be positive and energetic. People can witness this if they take part in some of our initiatives

Internet campaign has become very popular before the elections. Politicians such as Sergey Stanishev, Ivan Kostov and Emil Koshlukov have created Facebook pages and communicate daily with voters. The net has become a parallel place for political PR. Is the Internet part of your campaign?

I have had a Facebook page long before the elections and I will continue to have it afterwards.

Imagine that you are not part of the campaign. You are just one young person. Who and what will motivate you to vote?

I think that we all need a new type of campaign which has specific priorities. PR is PR but when the cameras are turned of its time for action. Politic isn’t a show which is done only in front of cameras. As the majoritarian electoral candidate for Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region I have two priorities.
We need to prove that Bulgaria can work for the young and works for the young. We need to invest in the development of our youth and update the Strategy for Youth 2007-2013. A National Council of the Youth needs to be created so there can be better dialogue.
We need to prove that Bulgaria is a guarantee of good quality. We also need to improve our foreign relations and earn more trust. We need to take advantage of the Lisbon Treaty and ensure that the interests of Bulgarian citizens are defended abroad. The Bulgarian societies abroad need to take part in the making of a law concerning “Green Cards”.

Are you concerned that you might need to make compromises if there is an inside conflict?

It is time for everyone who wants to be involved in politics to learn that this is a public sphere. The politician needs to be a slave of society. You are responsible to uphold the citizen’s best interest, because they trusted you with their votes. All other conceptions about politics are wrong. Such as the conception that politics are to make you popular and for personal gain and we can clearly see the results of those conceptions. My colleagues and I uphold the conception that politicians need to work for society and we are showing it in our work.

How do those closest to you react to your decision to “become part of the game”?

I have the most wonderful friends and family around me. They have always supported me in all of my decisions. For which I greatly thank all of them!

Do you have time for your private life?

Unfortunately I have very little time. However I meet with my friends and relatives at all times when I can. Most of the times I lose some hours of sleep, but I am very active and it is worth it.

Which was the last movie you have watched and when?

The last movie I watched was “About a Boy” with Hugh Grant. I watched it after the election for MEP’s.

What kind of music do you prefer?

I listen to French music. Sometimes I miss the finesse of French culture and diplomacy.

How do you like to relax?

I relax when I travel with friends, walk on the seaside. I really relax when there is sunshine and positive energy around me. I enjoy the company of cheerful people

What frustrates you?

I am frustrated by incorrect behavior and dishonest people.

What is the first thing you will do on the morning of the 6th of July?

I would be doing a presentation before the Council of Europe connected to the West Balkans. I am flying for Strasburg in the early morning, because there would be a school for politics. I think that was the answer you least expected (she is laughing). Of course there would be a lot of congratulations between me and my colleagues. I would thank everyone who took part. Campaign and politics are a team sport. The magic can’t be achieved if everyone doesn’t feel like he is an important peace of a puzzle.

Monika Panayotova took part in the forum “Between the elections – experience and perspectives for young politicians”

12/06/09

The majoritarian candidate from Sofia’s 24th majoritarian electoral region and Chairwoman of MGERB – Monika Panayotova took part in a discussion organized by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which had the topic – “Between the elections – experience and perspectives for young politicians”.

Representatives of all major political parties and the contestants from National Television’s political show “The Big Decision” took part in the discussion. The discussion was about the experience that the young politicians gained from the elections for European Parliament, as well as what they expect about the upcoming elections for National Parliament.

After the end of the discussion the young politicians had the chance to exchange their views on the political situation. They shared experience and expressed their opinion about how the young should express their civil and political opinion.

MGERB Sofia organised an initiative “Choose the European future for your child”

01/06/09

The initiative took hold on the 1st of June - the International Children's Day

On the 1st of June MGERB Sofia organised an initiative called “Choose the European future for your child”. The initiative took place in Sofia’s South Park. The youths from GERB handed out hundreds of gerbera flowers to young parents, taking a stroll or going out for a walk with their children.

Through the initiative the young in GERB wanted to show that every parent can choose a better future for their child if they give there vote for GERB on the upcoming elections on June 7th.

The initiative is a continuation to the initiative to be close to the citizens.

MGERB had a regional meeting with youths from Radomir

31/05/09

MGERB had a regional meeting in Radomir which Monika Panayotova the Chairwoman of MGERB and youngest candidate for MEP attended. The Coordinator of MGERB Sofia – Joanna Dochevska, the Organizational Secretary of MGERB Sofia – Anna Pashanska and the Coordinator of MGERB Kustendil Milen Nikolov and members of MGERB from the region also attended the meeting.

The initiators of the meeting were the Coordinator of MGERB in Pernik – Denislav Zahariev and the Municipal Councillor from Radomir Radoslav Iordanov. There were over 60 young people between the ages of 18 and 31.

Monika Panayotova greeted everyone and explained the three main priorities of MGERB, which are: investment in the young, civil activities and international priorities.

“The Cyrillic Alphabet, part of the diversity that makes the EU unique” was an initiative for the 24th of May organised by MGERB

25/06/09

On the 24th of May – MGERB organised the initiative “The Cyrillic Alphabet, part of the diversity that makes the EU unique”. The initiatives target was to show why it is important to be proud of who we are, that we are proud citizens of the European Union and that we should freely express our voice.


The initiative took place on a Sunday and MGERB combined it with their campaign to be close to the citizens of Sofia.

The youths from GERB gave out hundreds of scrolls, which carried the spirit of the holiday. The scrolls reminded the citizens that all of the MEP’s are sent by the people and people should vote on the 7th of June.

 

The initiative also took place in Kustendil where it had the same success.

Blitz interview with Monika Panayotova candidate for MEP from GERB

28/05/09

Monika Panayotova is 25 years old. She is the Chairwoman of MGERB. She has graduated the University for National and World Economy, with an MA in “International Economic Relations”. She was the Director of “Projects and Relations with Society” in the Economic Policy Institute until 2008. She has the command of English and French.

In which direction should Europe go - The United States of Europe or as the Nations of Europe?

GERB as part of the EPP supports the model of “EU – Federation”, we work for the acceptance of the Lisbon Treaty. It is early to talk about The United States of Europe. The main priority before the EU is to build an European identity.

What do you think about the acceptance of new countries in the Union? When will the countries from the West Balkans and Turkey become members of the EU?

GERB supports the West Balkans and the enlargement of the EU. But there are three main difficulties. They are the Financial Crisis, the Lisbon Treaty, because as Nicolas Sarkozy said the acceptance of new members is impossible without the acceptance of the Lisbon Treaty and finally the two way relations.

We fully support the Balkan countries and their acceptance in the Union. That’s why we have made many two way initiatives with other parties from the Balkans and the EPP, which are supposed to change the stereotype between their relations with the EU.

What should Bulgaria’s priorities be in the EU?

We need to earn back and restore the trust of the EU, so we can receive the European Funding. We need to start to be more active members, which also includes too help our neighbors also join the Union.

What would your personal priorities be if you are chosen as a MEP?

I would work on the two priorities I mentioned. I would also work so the voice of the young can be heard in Europe.

Monika Panayotova is a candidate for MEP and is placed 7th on GERB’s list.

The chairwoman of MGERB – Monika Panayotova is listed as №7 in PP GERB nominations for the forthcoming European Parliament election

19/05/09

In a special meeting with the chairman of PP GERB Mr. Tsvetan Tsvetanov, the national coordination council of MGERB (NCC) officially supported the nomination of their leader Monika Panayotova for Europian Parliament elect - MEP.

During that special meeting, which included MGERB members from different cities of Bulgaria, the PP GERB youth introduced to Mr. Tsvetanov their “open letter”, in which they announced their support for Miss Panayotova, citing several arguments in her defence.

According to MGERB, Miss Panayotova’s nomination shouldn’t be underestimated, not only because of her personal and professional qualities, but also due to the fact that she will represent and defend the views and wishes of Bulgaria’s youth in the European Parliament.
Today, days after the start of the EP election campaign of PP GERB, Miss Monika Panayotova is already listed under №7 in the nominations list.

CV:
Monika Panayotova
Candidate for a Member of the European Parliament

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations – UNWE
Master’s degree in International Economics Relations with specialization in Management of International Projects
Until 2008 she was director of “Projects and Public Relations” in the Institute of Economic Policies (Sofia).
With large experience in preparing and establishing of international projects and reports on development of EU issues.
In 2008 Miss Panayotova was elected as chairwoman of MGERB. Under her steady leadership MGERB developed into the most active and innovative youth organization in Bulgaria. Together with her colleges in NIS and NCC and last but not least the youth of PP GERB Miss Panayotova has been enforcing the top three priorities of MGERB:

• Investment in the preparation and education of members of MGERB – a Political Academy was introduced, also a summer university and many courses in the country and abroad.

• Civil initiatives for popularization of Centrist European values and encouragement of the Bulgaria’s youth to participate and vote in elections (“United in diversity”, “Why should I vote?”, “Vote to be heard” and etc.)

• International participations – MGERB joined the youth organizations of EPP, namely EDS and YEPP; participations of PP GERB ‘s youth in conferences and courses around Europe.

As a MEP her voters will be always informed about her work progress. Miss Panayotova has declared her will to defend the rights of Bulgaria’s youth and will do her best so can their voice be heard in the European Parliament.

Her priorities are: education in Bulgaria to reach Europe’s standards; bring back the trust in Bulgaria and work towards a better image of the country amongst EU; rejection of the negative stereotypes and stimulate the process of integration of Western Balkans in Europe.

Her personal motto is: “In politics, as if in life, one should strive for the achievable”.

MGERB took part in the first youth symposium of AKP in Turkey

19/05/09

For the period 15-17 May 2009 MGERB’s representatives took part in the first youth symposium in Istanbul, Turkey organized by the youth organization of the Party of Fairness and Development (AKP) under the patronage of Turkey’s prime minister- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The forum was attended by more than 800 representatives from all regions of Turkey, guests from Israel, Iran, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Lebanon and others. European youth organizations were presented by guest from Greece, Cyprus, Kosovo, FYROM, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria.

Main topics at the symposium were government policies regarding young people, young people in the conditions of globalization, entrepreneurship as a vision in the life of young people, etc. The problem with the low interest in politics seen in young people and its possible solutions were also discussed. Turkey’s vision of creating a modern democratic system, meeting the requirements for membership in the EU and sharing basic European democratic values was presented.

The symposium ended with a spectacular concert at Besiktas’ stadium, led by Turkey’s prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The event was attended by 45 000 members from the youth organization of AKP.

Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Monika Panayotova participated in a round-table on the subject “Parliamentary Elections 2009”

15/05/09

On 13 May 2009 in the New Bulgarian University was held a round-table on the subject “Parliamentary Elections 2009”. The event was attended by Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Chairman of PP GERB and Monika Panayotova, Chairwoman of MGERB, vice-president of the National Assembly Mrs. Anastasia Mozer, Veselin Metodiev from DSB, Dimitar lozanov from UDF, Nikolai Malinov from BSP, Nikolai Svinarov from BNM, representative of “LIDER” party, as well as students and lecturers from the NBU.

At the beginning of the meeting the representatives from the different parties made a brief presentation, as they emphasized on the impossibility of the current government to cope with the biggest problems in the country – corruption, the impact of the economic crisis, criminality, emigration of educated people.

The Chairwoman of the youth organization of PP GERB and candidate for deputy in the EP from GERB Monika Panayotova emphasized on the role of the young people in the state’s politics. Miss Panayotova explained briefly, clearly but emotionally why we should vote at the forthcoming elections, for the importance of every vote, for the responsibility at our future, for our unwillingness to be observers outside for what happened in the country. The initiatives of MGERB that were popular and interesting among the people– “Why to vote?” and “What are you going to do on 7 June?” united in the moto “Vote so to be heard”, were presented. “Young people broke the boundaries aiming the change as it is shocking at the beginning”, the Chairwoman of MGERB commented about the willingness of young people in Bulgaria to persist their own attitude and to take responsibility for that.

Big interest provoked the representative of BSP and Chairman of “Rusofili” Movement Nikolai Malinov. According to him “there are two types of political behavior – first of sprinters and second of marathon runners. Sprinters are the new political parties that accept that they could fast change the situation in the country, while the marathon runners are those of BSP and we slowly but certainly move toward change”. At this statement Mr.Tsvetanov answered with positive sense of humour that it didn’t matter how was the discipline but the movement. And at the speed of BSP we were going to die before the change.
“The new political parties walk on the right pavement as the old ones certainly remain on the left”, Mr. Malinov also said. According to him the socialist were not guilty for the economic crisis. But the situation in the country and public opinion show something different.

The Chairman of PP GERB emphasized on the role of GERB as a new political party that in short term succeeded in winning the people’s faith and proving that it was serious and successive in the efforts to build new and better European Bulgaria. In address to Mr. Malinov the chairman of GERB said “What we suffered, we think would never repeat”. Thus Mr. Tsvetanov accented that GERB is the unique and real alternative to the current government that led Bulgaria to the unacceptable situation to lose millions of euros. According to him this happened because of corruption, incompetence and abuse of power of the government. The Chairman of GERB also commented that in the current situation when the world suffered the global financial and economic crisis, Bulgaria could expect more problems if the three-party coalition remained in power. For PP GERB is important to stimulate the middle and small business, conducting of dialogues and listening to the critics. GERB strives for transparency in the communication with the Bulgarian citizens. This transparency is part of the new dialogic political culture which the party wants to establish in Bulgaria. Mr.Tsvetanov finished his speech with “I may be young in politics, but I want to exit with honour from it!” This words exulted the audience that answered by applause.

On the meeting there was also discussion on which to the young people in the hall was given the opportunity to raise their question to the guests connected with everything that interested them in the political life. The big activity, accuracy of the questions and the well grounded answers made the discussion really interesting.

In spite of the critics toward BSP for the inability of the party to cope with corruption, to exercise control over the special services like SANS (State Agency for National Security), the budgetary problems, all of the contestants agreed that the forthcoming elections were extremely important. According to Nikolai Svinarov the restoration of parliamentarism was necessary. Namely because of this if the citizens wanted to exert influence over the government of the country, it was important for them to vote and thus to express their civil standing.

What did Bulgaria win and lose from the EU membership? – Opinions of representatives of NDSV, BSP, GERB, DSB, UDF

09/05/09

Do we win or lose from the EU membership, do we help for the EU prosperity and why we are going to vote at the European elections – on the Day of Europe – 9 May representatives of the different Bulgarian parties answer three questions of the “Focus” agency inquiry for our EU membership.

What did Bulgaria win and lose from the EU membership?

Monika Panayotova, GERB:
Unfortunately for the moment Bulgaria has a broken membership in the EU. Joining the EU family, Bulgaria wins a stable and fare partner. With its irresponsible politics, however, the government lost the trust of the member states and didn’t succeed in making use of the advantages from the membership in favor of the citizens.

What Bulgaria made for the EU prosperity?

Every day Bulgaria contributes to the EU prosperity by the immigration of educated and motivated young people that don’t feel themselves comfortable in their own country. I think that it’s time for us to change the direction and the EU prosperity to be related with the prosperity of Bulgaria.

What is the message that Bulgarians expect for the EU elections on 7 June?

We all expect positive, but also achievable messages. I think that such is the GERB’s message – To prove that Bulgaria is able.