Maxim Behar: “The Euro is a Natural Step – What We Need Is Vision, Not Division”

Host: “President Radev stated that the Parliament has turned its back on the people and that trust can only be restored through a referendum on the euro. How do you interpret this, Mr. Behar?”

Maxim: “It’s difficult for me to step into the president’s shoes. I find the way he delivers his messages—at the airport, without taking questions from journalists—quite unusual. With more solid arguments, his message might have had a stronger public impact.”

“But let’s not forget the key point here: Bulgaria is ready to adopt the euro. That statement alone sums up much of this discussion. Joining the eurozone is a long-anticipated economic necessity and a logical step forward.”

Host: “But the president claims that real inflation is higher than what is officially reported. What’s your take on this?”

Maxim: “Every country has its problems—corruption, inflation, crime. But these issues cannot serve as valid arguments against the euro. We have credible institutions like Eurostat and the National Statistical Institute. What’s lacking from the critics is not data, but sound arguments.”

Host: “There are fresh protests today against the euro. Are we underestimating public concerns?”

Maxim: “Protests are a vital part of democracy—people have the right to express opinions. But I have yet to hear a serious economic argument against adopting the euro. Bulgaria is part of the EU, of Schengen, and our banking system is already under the supervision of the ECB. This is a natural process.”

Host: “Are you firmly against the idea of a referendum on the euro?”

Maxim: “Yes. It’s too complex a topic for a public vote. Not everyone is equipped to make an informed decision. That’s why we need proper communication, debates, expert analysis—for and against. The lack of a public awareness campaign has been the biggest issue so far.”

Host: “In terms of communication strategy—who is winning more points right now?”

Maxim: “To be honest, I no longer understand what PP-DB stands for or where they’re heading politically. The current government is doing quite well. The Prime Minister is balanced and measured, and he’s well received by European partners. I don’t see how a vote of no confidence would affect Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro. This is an economic matter, not a political one.”

Host: “What should we expect from the presidential elections?”

Maxim (smiling): “I’ll venture a guess—Rossen Zhelyazkov could be GERB’s candidate. I wouldn’t rule out Boyko Borissov either, although if he really wanted to be president, he probably would have already gone for it. What’s truly important is that the country has a clear vision—not scandal, but direction.”

Maxim Behar emphasized that Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone is an irreversible process, independent of short-term political fluctuations. He called for calm, reasoned public dialogue, and a shared national vision:

“Bulgaria with the euro, Bulgaria with investment, Bulgaria with a bright future for its smart, educated people.”

Watch the full interview here.