Lovech, October 29, 2002

On October 29th an Information Day for promoting the ombudsman institution on local level took place in Lovech. It was organized by the Center for the Study of Democracy jointly with the Young Lawyers Association and the Znanie Association - Lovech. The aim of this event was to popularize the activity of the Ombudsman Institution and the possibilities for its establishment in Bulgaria on both national and local level.

Municipal counsellors, representatives of the local authorities, Judiciary, the Bar, the Young Lawyers Association and business community as well as media and citizens took part in the event.

Within the framework of the topic The Local Ombudsman - Legal Regulation and Practices, Mr. Svetoslav Georgiev, expert at the office of the Sofia Public Mediator introduced the experience and the difficulties that the institution encounters. Mr. Hristo Ormandjiev, Veliko Turnovo Municipality Anti-Corruption Civic Mediator, underlined the significance of the specialized ombudsmen for protecting citizens' rights in particular spheres.

In the course of the discussion questions on the ombudsman's election, status, rights, responsibilities and mechanisms for influence, the ways of financing and remuneration, the openness of his/her actions etc. were put. The opinion of the participants was that there are opportunities for establishing an ombudsman type institution in the municipality of Lovech on the basis of the existing excellent partnership between the civic sector and the local government.

For more information see also
Agenda of the seminar