JULIANA IVANOVA interviews a random selection of Sofians about their choice of mayor.
Nushka Petrova, 70, pensioner
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I think I will cast my vote for Stoyan Alexandrov because he seems to be a clever man, as a university professor usually is, and also he belongs to our party, that is, the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
Oh, many things could be done for our capital...first of all its streets have to be cleaned of dust and garbage, they have to be washed every day, the way it used to be before. The mayor could pay more attention to air pollution, there are too many cars in this city, and also they park on the pavements and people do not have enough place to walk...it is dangerous! And also, a place for the stray dogs has to be found, they should not been killed! And so on, and so on...
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
If I have to be honest I should say that Sofianski made some improvements but the best he did is contributing to the divisions in the UDF. Two terms in office are enough for him!
Svetoslav Avramov, 30, driver
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I will cast my vote for Stefan Sofianski. Besides he has been the best mayor this city has ever had, he is a very charming man which is important for winning the election. I think he is a real leader. Most of the politicians could not ever catch up with him.
Do you support any particular political party?
Can you point to me any political formation in Bulgaria that is worth being supported? All famous parties and politicians from the last decade are still taking out their dirty shirts and the stink is getting worse....foundations, dollars, Chorny and so on...it is awful!
Does the political orientation of the candidates influence your vote?
No, we have to vote for a person, this is a municipal election!
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
To solve the problems of the citizens, to make their life easier...to clean the streets, and things like this.
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
Yes - he found money and built the subway and some new boulevards, he renewed "Halite" and "Centralna Bania". I think he is a really good manager who also knows how to run the finances of the city. That is why I will give my vote to him!
Traian Traikov, 50, technician
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I am going to vote for Lyuben Dilov Junior because he is the only one that offers something concrete and important for Sofia. I mean the law that he has worked out especially for the capital. This is very substantial because life in Sofia is very different from life in the country.
Do you support any particular political party?
No I don't.
Does the political orientation of the candidates influence your vote?
Actually - yes, because I do not want to give my vote for any candidate supported by BSP, UDF or NMS²². I am strongly disappointed from all politicians-"red", "blue" or "yellow" preaching the same "coloured" ideas and playing with our lives all these years.
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
In fact he has restricted power of attorney but he must take care for the streets and environment, and to keep an eye on the useful utilization of the municipal properties...Also, a mayor must take care of the public transportation and roads and all these banal things.
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
There are some good things that he has done for the development of Sofia but now he has to give up his position to someone else.
Nushka Petrova, 70, pensioner
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I think I will cast my vote for Stoyan Alexandrov because he seems to be a clever man, as a university professor usually is, and also he belongs to our party, that is, the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
Oh, many things could be done for our capital...first of all its streets have to be cleaned of dust and garbage, they have to be washed every day, the way it used to be before. The mayor could pay more attention to air pollution, there are too many cars in this city, and also they park on the pavements and people do not have enough place to walk...it is dangerous! And also, a place for the stray dogs has to be found, they should not been killed! And so on, and so on...
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
If I have to be honest I should say that Sofianski made some improvements but the best he did is contributing to the divisions in the UDF. Two terms in office are enough for him!
Svetoslav Avramov, 30, driver
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I will cast my vote for Stefan Sofianski. Besides he has been the best mayor this city has ever had, he is a very charming man which is important for winning the election. I think he is a real leader. Most of the politicians could not ever catch up with him.
Do you support any particular political party?
Can you point to me any political formation in Bulgaria that is worth being supported? All famous parties and politicians from the last decade are still taking out their dirty shirts and the stink is getting worse....foundations, dollars, Chorny and so on...it is awful!
Does the political orientation of the candidates influence your vote?
No, we have to vote for a person, this is a municipal election!
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
To solve the problems of the citizens, to make their life easier...to clean the streets, and things like this.
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
Yes - he found money and built the subway and some new boulevards, he renewed "Halite" and "Centralna Bania". I think he is a really good manager who also knows how to run the finances of the city. That is why I will give my vote to him!
Traian Traikov, 50, technician
Who are you going to vote for in the coming mayoral election and why?
I am going to vote for Lyuben Dilov Junior because he is the only one that offers something concrete and important for Sofia. I mean the law that he has worked out especially for the capital. This is very substantial because life in Sofia is very different from life in the country.
Do you support any particular political party?
No I don't.
Does the political orientation of the candidates influence your vote?
Actually - yes, because I do not want to give my vote for any candidate supported by BSP, UDF or NMS²². I am strongly disappointed from all politicians-"red", "blue" or "yellow" preaching the same "coloured" ideas and playing with our lives all these years.
What can and must a mayor do for our capital?
In fact he has restricted power of attorney but he must take care for the streets and environment, and to keep an eye on the useful utilization of the municipal properties...Also, a mayor must take care of the public transportation and roads and all these banal things.
Are you satisfied with incumbent mayor Stefan Sofianski's two terms in office?
There are some good things that he has done for the development of Sofia but now he has to give up his position to someone else.
