Maxim Behar: Bulgaria Needs a New Political Player with a Business Mindset

Host:
Let’s start with the pardon of Desislava Ivancheva and the recent clashes between institutions. Was the pardon surprising?

Maxim Behar:
I don’t see anything wrong with the Vice President signaling that she’s preparing to launch a campaign. Personally, I believe she’ll start very soon.
I don’t know if the pardon of the former mayor of “Mladost” district is related to that. I doubt it, since I’ve known Iliana for many years, and I don’t believe she would go down the easy populist road.
I think she simply decided to exercise her constitutional right. We haven’t heard of such a public presidential or vice-presidential pardon in a long time.
This is a one-off act that will eventually be forgotten. I wish the former mayor Ivancheva good health, happiness, and the chance to take care of her child.

Host:
But if we start viewing people convicted of corruption as victims, isn’t that dangerous?

Maxim Behar:
Yes, because we all know public trust in the judicial system is very low. It should be much higher.
Who among us can say whether the former mayor of “Mladost” is guilty or not? Only the court can determine that.
What’s more troubling are two things:
First – institutions in Bulgaria have not communicated properly for years. Dondukov 1 and Dondukov 2 speak through the media in metaphors and insinuations.
I support what Prime Minister Zhelyazkov said – that teams should gather, sit down, and talk. They should visit each other, have coffee or even a glass of wine or cognac – it doesn’t matter. They need real conversations, not media statements.
Second – I don’t like the government's intention to interfere in the free market. That could deliver a major blow to Bulgaria.

Host:
What if the ruling coalition is under pressure, especially with Peevski’s call to dismantle the anti-corruption commission?

Maxim Behar:
I don’t believe there’s a real risk. These seem like internal political games that I personally don’t fully understand.
It looks like Zhelyazkov’s government will survive – mainly because he is a dialogical and patient leader who thinks before he speaks.
The real challenge is Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone. That should not be underestimated. We need to be united and well-prepared.

Host:
What are the key differences between the president and the prime minister?

Maxim Behar:
The differences aren’t really political, but more about foreign policy – mainly Ukraine and the eurozone.
Each politician should be analyzed individually – Radev, Zhelyazkov, Borissov, Donchev, Peevski. I see positive traits in both the president and the prime minister.
I don’t see why one of them couldn’t simply cross the street and ask: “What’s most important?”
Of course it’s Bulgaria.
Should Bulgaria become a better country? Yes.
Should we live better? Yes. It may seem impossible, but it’s absolutely achievable.

Host:
Do you expect large-scale protests?

Maxim Behar:
I think that energy is already gone. Protesting against “corruption” in general, without specifics, has no effect.
Bulgaria won’t be changed by protests, but by politicians.
We need a good president in 2026 – someone with European values, recognizable, conservative. For example, Rosen Zhelyazkov.
Or a good economist like Nikolay Vassilev – someone who knows what he’s doing and can bring order without big loans or chaos.

Host:
Do you expect a new political player to emerge?

Maxim Behar:
Yes, I do. That’s my dream – a new political player from the business world.
I had high hopes for the Harvard-educated team, but it didn’t work out.
There’s a huge gap in the political landscape – we need a party focused on business.
The state lives off business – from the taxes it generates and the jobs it creates.

Maxim Behar outlines a clear vision for Bulgaria’s future: meaningful institutional dialogue, stability in joining the eurozone, and the emergence of a new leader from the business sector. He believes business-minded practices can breathe new life into the political system and ensure the country’s long-term development.

Watch the full interview here.