Civil discussions are the foundation of democracy! They are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society. The active participation of citizens is essential for holding governments to account, for shaping public policies and for ensuring that decision-making processes reflect the will and interests of the people. Citizen participation strengthens the sense of belonging and solidarity among community members. By engaging in collective efforts to address common challenges, citizens build social capital, trust and cooperation that contribute to the sustainability and cohesion of societies. Participation in civic activities empowers people to exercise their rights, express their opinions and advocate for issues important to them. It allows people to become informed, active citizens who can influence decisions that affect their lives and communities. Citizen participation plays a crucial role in addressing social, political and environmental challenges. It empowers citizens to contribute to the common good and work towards a more inclusive and democratic society.
The Forum was the basis for several initiatives civic forums for discussions aimed at the development of civil society and democracy in Bulgaria.. The first panel discussion in 2022 was to talk openly about public finances and their indiscriminate spending. As well as demonstrating practices that are not only a burden on public budgets, but can also generate funding.
Working directly with Citizens
Public Engagement and Creating an Active Civic Environment
In Pazardzhik, a group of more than 100 citizens stood behind demands to the municipality to improve the urban environment and raised concerns about the policy on Social Housing.
Why do we want a Defibrillator? Because it saves lives? Because it is a major concern for the lives of our parents, our children, all of us? We shouldn't want to! We should, according to EU regulations and standards, have one in Pazardzhik available to citizens. According to the EU, for every 3000 citizens, no more than 6 minutes away from any of us. At a cost of about 3000 BGN a piece, that means about 80, 000 BGN, with training and maintenance. With a new 19 million loan to be discussed in a few days, how much are we citizens worth? We do not want to hear any more lies and sugar-coated talk, we want money for quality public, free healthcare, we want adequate care, we want to live like all European citizens!
Why do we want clear and transparent access to social housing? Because for the past 35 years, the social housing stock in Bulgaria has been nothing but CORRUPTION!
What we created was
CIVIC ZONE
it was a place where citizens are accepted for who they are. A place free from prejudice and hatred. A place free of talk about Politics, Belonging and Religion. But a place where Citizen Policies are discussed and demands are made to improve the Urban Environment.
Civic Zone - 100 citizens demanded change, neighborhood with thousands of other residents stood behind them
2024, the civic platform presented a panel discussion on urban sustainability and tackling racism and
anti-Semitism as key pillars for tourism development and economic growth.
2024, the civic platform presented a panel discussion on urban sustainability and tackling racism and
anti-Semitism as key pillars for tourism development and economic growth.
The most neuralgic topic in the panel was the open preaching of neo-Nazi ideology and the free and unpunished proclamation of Nazi symbolism in an EU member state like Bulgaria. The special guest of the forum, the anti-Semitism campaigner Gordon Merk, recalled the notorious Luke March and the torch marches that have become a "normal" tradition. The hosts from the state news agency BTA defended the absurd thesis that the police will not deal with and punish vandals defacing buildings (many of them public) with neo-Nazi symbolism because they have much more important things to do. Ilian Kuzmanov had adopted the firm position that any form of Nazi proclamation, Holocaust denial or any defence of terrorist ideologies and regimes should be prosecuted and punished severely. After all, both Nazism and the Communist regime in Bulgaria have been declared criminal and any proclamation should carry the harshest weight of the law. But apparently, even representatives of the most serious media agencies in Bulgaria ignore the issues, which de facto means that the public will ignore it too. Ilian Kuzmanov said that as well as at the local and national level, measures should be adopted to deal with hate speech, from which suffer different in our society.
The founder of the forum Ilian Kuzmanov was himself a victim of hate speech and vandalism(a multi faith chapel was destroyed and he had received numerous threats to his life) which served as the basis for the creation of the forum. His second book, deals with quite provocative topics, such as the comparison of feudalism-socialism and totalitarianism, a historical study of fascism and neo-Nazism, religion and faith under dictatorship, love, individual freedom and the tyranny of irresponsible collectivity, the different, the disabled, same-sex love and the rampant homophobia in Bulgaria(where the most homophobic law in the EU was passed, giving a legal definition of the word "normality")... Topics that its generating strong hatred and division in society.
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How does The Angel Social Group fight Hate and Discrimination in Bulgaria?
By using, for example, the Manchester United star for social ads calling for tolerance. Or using different social messages through the tools of marketing to reach huge numbers of people. Or by publishing literature containing social messages, containing LGBT characters, telling about the horrors of the Holocaust....
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRO BONO LEGAL AID
In the legal profession, pro bono work plays a crucial role in serving the public good and promoting justice and equality. Iliyan Kumanov is a lawyers who engage in pro bono work provide legal services for free or at a reduced cost to individuals and organizations who cannot afford legal representation. This practice not only benefits those in need but also offers numerous advantages for attorneys themselves. From diversifying their experience to building professional networks and contributing to their communities, lawyers have numerous reasons to prioritize pro bono work in their practice.
Ultimately, pro bono work allows lawyers to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. By taking on pro bono cases, lawyers have the power to give voice to the voiceless, fight for justice against all odds, and bring hope to those who need it most. Whether representing domestic violence victims, refugees, nonprofits, or individuals with limited means, pro bono work enables lawyers to contribute to a more just and equitable society. The rewards of pro bono work extend beyond financial gain, providing lawyers with a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.
In my opinion pro bono work is not only important but essential in the legal profession. It allows lawyers to diversify their experience, build professional networks, fulfill their commitment to serving the public, advance justice, address the access to justice gap, and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities. By incorporating pro bono work into their practice, lawyers can enhance their skills, contribute to a more equitable society, and find self-fulfillment in their legal careers.
I have always believed that lawyers and medics are professionals who should have extremely high moral and ethical standards!
Ethical standards are crucial in the professional practice of law and healthcare providers. Both professions are bound by codes of ethics that guide their interactions with clients and patients. High ethical principles include informed consent, which involves providing clients with sufficient information about the proposed course of action, risks, and alternatives. Lawyers must respect and accommodate clients’ decisions, while healthcare professionals must facilitate informed decision-making for patients. Physicians have an ethical obligation to help patients understand available therapeutic alternatives and make informed decisions based on their preferences and best medical practices. Respecting privacy and maintaining confidentiality are vital aspects of both fields, and professionals must follow strict guidelines to protect confidential information. Shared ethical standards between legal and healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of thoughtful, informative, and client/patient-centered communication. Adherence to these ethical principles fosters trust, promotes positive outcomes, and prioritizes the well-being of clients and patients. After all, every day they hold in their hands human lives and destinies that they can save or destroy.
As for the good lawyer, a manifestation of his morality should be Pro Bono legal aid. After all, good health care is practically available to everyone, almost everywhere in the world, something that should be the case with law!
Iliyan Kuzmanov
Fighting Coronavirus Disinformation
Bulgaria had the lowest vaccination rate in Europe. But The Angel Social Group designed a whole awerness campaign reaching hundreds of thousands of citizens with the slogan "Join the fight! Get vaccinated today."
As well as providing the teams in the Ambulance with machines for their free time:
Problems with demography, migration, business environment and corruption are topics that we touched upon together with one of our partners, politician and public figure Nikolay Yanev.
Bulgarian migrants before the pandemic remitted $2.4 billion to their relatives in Bulgaria in 2018, according to a World Bank report on migration and development. That’s an official balance of payments statistic from the BNB, which means the money is actually many times more. That $2.4 billion (or about $7 billion in real terms) is equal to 3.8% of GDP, according to the WB’s calculations. Foreign direct investment in the country was about 3.2% (or real about 10%) of GDP in 2018. From the beginning of 2021 until the end of November, Bulgarians working abroad have sent only 149.1 million euros to their relatives and families in Bulgaria. To understand the dependence of the Bulgarian economy on immigrant remittances, for comparison, in our country this share is 3.8% of GDP, while Romanians send home 2.2% of GDP, Lithuanians - 2.6% and Estonians - 1.8%.. source- Investor.bg
Bulgarian immigrants are part of another tremendous problem for Bulgaria as a whole- the demographic crisis. According to official figures, over the last 30 years the population of Bulgaria has decreased by 1.65 million people. According to the National Statistical Institute, in 1992 there were 8 487 317 people living in Bulgaria, in 2001 - 7 932 984 and in 2011 - 7 364 570. As of 31 December 2021, Bulgaria’s population was 6 838 937.
According to the Ministry of Finance, in 1990 the revenue on total income was BGN 1,911 million, the expenditure on salaries and social security of budget employees was BGN 3,116 million. A ratio of 1.63. In 2021, the revenue from personal income tax was BGN 4, 808 million, the expenditure on wages and salaries and insurance of budget employees was BGN 13, 297 million. The ratio is now 2.76. So we waste BGN 3.3 billion every year from the budget in Bulgaria. And Bulgaria is once again the most corrupt country in the EU, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Index 2021, which measures the perception of corruption. Bulgaria ranks alongside countries such as Benin and Burkina Faso.
Recognizing Achievements in Civil Society Development in Bulgaria
In 2021, one of the most important recognitions was the Golden Key Award for Social Initiatives and Social Creativity.
Work in the development of Civil Society in Bulgaria has its price. Standing up against Corruption, Organized Crime, Human Trafficking, Racism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, Pro Putin Propaganda and Influence, all of this comes with danger. The Angel Social Group and its founder, Ilian Kuzmanov, have suffered numerous online threats and insults, but the most virulent assault has been the destruction of a multi faith chapel. Taking a strong stance against this hate crime was the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev.
Hate crimes are just that CRIME and we HATE that people have to suffer this utterly horrendous treatment for just being themselves.
The harsh position of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, which required an investigation and the intervention of local institutions. The result was a cover-up of the story by a Governor deeply connected to Russian circles of influence in Bulgaria.
