Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

President Radev calls for a debate on the inrtoduction of basic military training for young people

President Rumen Radev (in the middle) at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army in Stara Zagora, 14 June 2024.
Photo: president.bg

Speaking in Stara Zagora at the Fourth National Convention of the Reserve Army, President Rumen Radev stressed the need for basic military training for the younger generation. A debate needs to be held on whether young people in Bulgaria should receive at least basic military training, which would help bridge the growing gap between society and the army, the president said. 

Radev cited the example of NATO allies that are reintroducing conscription. In his speech to the reservists, the head of state stressed that today's geopolitical challenges and the war in Ukraine require a public debate on the army's personnel needs, which go far beyond the need for weapons and technology. The President added that decisions on national security are taken by people without a military background, which is why cooperation with the Mobilisation Reserve is so important in Bulgaria.

In the past, he said, every household was somehow connected to the army, but today, almost 20 years after conscription was abolished, this is no longer the case. "Soon, there will be very few MPs left in the National Assembly who have had any involvement with the army, and it is there that important decisions for our national security are made," the head of state added. Noting the challenges posed by military conflicts in neighbouring regions, Radev said that regardless of technological advancements in weapons production, the training and motivation of personnel remained of paramount importance.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Between 80 and 90% of water for domestic and industrial needs is lost in Bulgaria's water transmission network

Due to the poor condition of the water transmission network, nearly half a billion cubic meters of water are irretrievably lost annually . On this occasion, Caretaker Environment Minister Petar Dimitrov called for work to improve and repair the water..

published on 11/28/24 2:15 PM
Sofia Airport

Direct flight will start operating between Sofia and Pisa as of March 2025

From March 30, 2025, a new direct flight will connect Sofia and Pisa, Italy. A statement from Sofia Airport states that the flights will be operated by the low-cost airline Ryanair and will operate three times a week - every Tuesday, Thursday and..

published on 11/28/24 2:10 PM
Yordan Ivanov

"Democratic Bulgaria" offers support for the candidacy of Silvi Kirilov for Parliamentary Speaker

The parliamentary group of Democratic Bulgaria has offered GERB-SDS and "BSP-United Left" to vote "for" the candidacy of Silvi Kirilov from ITN for the post of Speaker of the 51st National Assembly. Yordan Ivanov, MP from "We Continue the..

published on 11/28/24 1:49 PM