This newspaper has a tradition of not declaring for any political party in a Bulgarian election, and we are holding to that tradition in the national parliamentary elections on July 5.

This has to do with our aspirations to objectivity that we hold paramount, and does not necessarily imply a lack of confidence in Bulgaria’s electorate and leaders to produce a coalition that will bear the stewardship of the country in a way that addresses the extremely pressing issues facing it. Indeed, we share the hope that as soon as possible after the elections, a coalition will be formed that is stable, responsible and dynamic in taking action on everything from the economic crisis to the administration of European Union funds and, no less significantly, Bulgaria’s shortcomings in dealing with organised crime and corruption.

It is a time for national responsibility, and we hope that every Bulgarian eligible to vote will turn out to do so – even if it is only to register a vote for an alternative to whatever political force or colour they happen to dislike the most.

All but the most irrational critics of Bulgaria must acknowledge that a succession of governments of various colours in the past decade have taken some positive steps, but any objective analysis must show that a great deal remains to be done.

The new government will face a continuing economic and financial crisis, and will have to respond urgently, with clarity and decisiveness.

It will have to come up with a more than adequate response to the findings that will emerge from the European Commission’s forthcoming report on the country’s performance on justice and home affairs.

There is much to be done, and we wish the people of Bulgaria the blessings of an election that passes without irregularities, and a government that will act with honesty and vigour to serve the national interest.