On April 2, 2025, an important event for civil society was held in the Aula of the FJMK, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - Civil hearing of the candidates for Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The event, organized by leading civil society organizations, including For The Good Foundation, was open to the general public and provided an opportunity for a direct meeting with three of the six officially registered candidates:
🔹 Велислава Делчева
🔹 Димитър Маргаритов
🔹 Мая Манолова
Key topics discussed in the debate
The discussion was moderated by Dobrina Cheshmedzhieva and went through four main topics:
- Civil rights protection
- Priorities during the mandate
- Independence and impartiality
- Increasing transparency in institutions
All three candidates indicated protection of vulnerable groups as its top priority. Topics such as the rights of children, the elderly, survivors of violence, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as access to education and healthcare were raised by both the candidates and the audience in the hall and online.
"For Good" Foundation with a focus on children's health
The Chairman of the For Good Foundation, Nadezhda Rangelova-Boyadzhieva, joined in with a question about the problems in children's healthcare – a topic that, despite its importance, continues to remain in the background in public debates.
Although time did not allow for an in-depth discussion on the topic, we made it clear that we would continue to insist children's health to be part of the institutional agenda of the newly elected Ombudsman.
Highlights from the candidates' presentations
✅ Velislava Delcheva talks about the need for Ombudsman reception offices in more settlements, involving young people and outreach work. She showed strong awareness on topics such as domestic violence, crisis centers and juvenile justice.
✅ Maya Manolova focuses on creating children's ombudsman, children's participation in the processes and bringing the work of the Ombudsman closer to the people.
✅ Dimitar Margaritov stressed the importance of the protection of consumer rights, access to education and the need to work with employers' organizations.
Why is the election of an ombudsman important?
Bulgaria is currently without an acting ombudsman and deputy ombudsman, which blocks a number of the institution's powers. In times of political instability and social tension, The voice of the public defender is needed more than ever.
The Ombudsman is not just an institutional position, but voice and ally of citizens – especially the most vulnerable.
Who is behind the event?
The citizens' hearing was organized by:
➡️ National Youth Forum
➡️ Bulgarian Center for Non-Profit Law (BCNL)
➡️ LGBTI organization "Action"
➡️ Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives
➡️ JAMBA
➡️ Civic Participation Forum
➡️ Transparency International Bulgaria
➡️ Amnesty International Bulgaria
➡️ For The Good Foundation
🧡 Благодарим на всички участници, партньори и граждани, които присъстваха или се включиха онлайн.
What's coming up?
The For Good Foundation will continue to monitor the process of selecting a new Ombudsman and will insist on topics such as: children's healthcare, access to quality care and protection of child patients to receive their due place in the priorities of the future public defender.
🎤 За нас всяка стъпка към по-добро детство и по-достъпна грижа е част от мисията #ЗаДоброто.
📢 Споделете с нас какви теми смятате, че новият омбудсман трябва да постави на дневен ред.
📧 Пишете ни: team@zadobroto.com
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