Information day for promoting the ombudsman institution on local level
Varna, October 4, 2002

On October 4, 2002, in Varna was held an information day for popularizing the ombudsman's activities and the opportunities for its establishment in Bulgaria. The accumulated experience with the operation of local civic mediators on the territory of different municipalities was presented. Professor Petar Tsankov delivered a lecture on the ombudsman in the conditions of globalization. Mr. Hristo Ormandjiev, Veliko Turnovo Municipality Anti-Corruption Ombudsman, outlined the difficulties in the relations between the citizens and administration.

All participants expressed their support on the idea of future consolidation of the public-private partnership and establishing on its basis an ombudsman type institution on local level as a guarantee of both good governnance and respect for citizens' rights.

The issues raised at the discussion concerned the relation between the prosecutor's office and the ombudsman when approached with complains against corruption; providing an opportunity for approaching the ombudsman not only in cases of personal interest, but in cases of public interest as well; the opportunities for control over the ombudsman's activities, etc.

Representatives of the city legal community, business organizations, prosecutor's office, investigation, municipality, NGOs, as well as many students and citizens took part in the event.

The workshop was organized jointly by the Center for the Study of Democracy and the Varna Technical University Law Faculty.

Agenda of the seminar