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Interview of Filiz Hyusmenova for Drustur Newspaper |
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An interview of Filiz Hyusmenova for Drustur Newspaper on the pre-election campaign for the 2007 local elections 1. Will you take part in the MRF work for local elections?
For several days now I have been working in Silistra and other municipalities of the region in support of the MRF local election campaign. As assigned by the central party leadership and at the request of local leaders I will also visit other towns and villages in Bulgaria. As a MEP, I find it relevant to join the current campaign as the elected mayors and municipal councilors will be the first ones to work with the European Union funds. I doubt it that anyone could be more useful than us, Members of the European Parliament working in the heart of Europe, in presenting to the people the possibilities opening to local authorities and the mechanisms that must be put into effect so that our life can change for the better. While participating in the elections, I do not turn my back to my work in the European Parliament.
2. At some places in the region the MRF has out forward new faces, young people. Do you think this is a successful formula for the forthcoming local elections?
I am sure that this is an advantage. The young people whom we have put forward are energetic and eager to work. They have knowledge necessary for an effective local leader – they know foreign languages, they do not live with the past and its methods but are ready for our integration in the European Union. They have already worked on projects and qualify as leaders.
3. Can you determine which political formations are the most serious competition to the MRF in these elections?
Voters are aware that these local elections are the dress rehearsal for the next parliamentary elections. Their results will outline the palette of the political spectrum and of the future government of Bulgaria. That is why the MRF competes with itself. We want to do better than at the previous local elections and at the elections for the European Parliament.
4. What are the advantages of the MRF candidates over their competition?
I think I have already answered this question. And to prove my assertion I will say that our candidates are well trained because the MRF is continuously holding seminars and trainings throughout the country, explaining new conditions and possibilities. I will also add that young people in the party are regarded as real policy-makers and they can grow if they are capable and ambitious.
5. What will be your campaign – attractive, information or aggressive?
Following a long and hard period of transition, the electorate is tired of politics. Their mistrust in politicians is growing and they can be only won by reasonable and practical solution to problems and by taking responsibility for commitments. In this sense, this is mostly an information campaign but it will be delusion to think that it can yield good results in a month. The MRF campaign is one of confirmation of successful practices wherever they exist, of realism and pragmatism.
6. Could you tell us how an MEP works and lives?
Every month, In Brussels of Strasbourg, there is a session of some commission in which I work – the Regional Development Commission and the Commission on the Rights of Women and Gender Equality, political group sessions, plenary meetings of the European Parliament. The preparation for these meetings necessitates hard work as MEPs can propose discussions of reports, changes and amendments to the documents of the European Parliament, to ask questions of the European Commission. At the same time, a large flow of information on administering the EP work by non-government and other organizations goes through our offices. We are also implementing projects in Bulgaria and try to keep abreast of the political events in the country, meet with the electorate.
7. What have you accomplished as an MEP so far?
A major initiative, joined by other Bulgarian MEPs is our lobbying in the European Parliament in support of the Bulgarian medics in Libya. Our actions contributed to the MEPs’ commitment and to exercising diplomatic pressure for solving the problem. I personally have submitted proposals on EP documents: on the reports for streamlining labour law so that it can meet the challenges of the 21st century; on the future EU marine policy; on a community framework for measures of harmonization of family life and the period of training of young women in the EU. I worked as a “hidden” reporter on two reports: “The Regional Impact of Earthquakes” and “Equality of Men and Women in the European Union, 2007,” on which I also have some of my amendments accepted.
Together with other MEPs I held a seminar on the image of Muslim women in the media. In September, together with Mr. Graham Watson, President of the group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, we held a seminar entitled “New Leaders, New Policy.” I also organized a visit by a Bulgarian delegation of 25 young people who acquainted themselves with the work and functions of the European Parliament.
A series of 25 seminars on entrepreneurial training has just ended in the Silistra region. For this project I was motivated by my conviction that convergence in the development of municipalities and regions, and better life are also the result of people’s personal initiative and skills.
I took part in the campaign on having the European currency “Euro” be translated in Bulgarian as “Evro” – something on which long and complicated talks with the European Central Bank have been going. I have also addressed a question regarding this matter to the European Commission and am now expecting their answer.
8. We know of a meeting at the European Parliament with a group of physically challenged people from Bulgaria. How can you help them?
I admire the confidence and hard work which disadvantaged people do through the non-government organizations to which they belong. Despite the difficulties they are facing they consistently uphold their rights thus making us aware of their numerous problems. I hope we can help them by working for the EP ratification of the UN Directive for disadvantaged people. I believe that this act will raise the requirements to all member states as regards equal conditions of life.
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