Information day for promoting the ombudsman institution on local level
Lovech, October 29, 2002

On October 29, 2002, an information day for promoting the ombudsman institution on local level took place in Lovech. The event was organized jointly by the Center for the Study of Democracy, the Young Lawyers Association and Znanie Association, Lovech. The aim of the seminar was to popularize the activity of the ombudsman institution and the possibilities for its establishment in Bulgaria on both national and local levels.

Municipal counsellors, representatives of the local authorities, the judiciary, the Bar, the Young Lawyers Association and the business community as well as media and citizens took part in the event.

Within the framework of the topic The Local Ombudsman - Legal Regulation and Practices, Mr. Svetoslav Georgiev, expert at the office of the Sofia Municipality Local Civic Mediator introduced the experience and the difficulties that the institution encounters. Mr. Hristo Ormandjiev, Veliko Turnovo Municipality Anti-Corruption Ombudsman, underlined the significance of the specialized ombudsmen for protecting citizens' rights in particular spheres.

In the course of the discussion questions on the ombudsman's election, status, rights, responsibilities and mechanisms for influence, the ways of financing and remuneration, the openness of his/her actions etc. were put. The opinion of the participants was that there are opportunities for establishing an ombudsman type institution in the municipality of Lovech on the basis of the existing excellent partnership between the civic sector and the local government.

Agenda of the seminar

Time: 29.10.2002, 14:00 h.
Venue: Municipal Council's Hall, Lovech Municipality
Participants: municipal counsellors, representatives of Lovech municipality, representatives of NGOs and government institutions, media, citizens