[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 167 (Thursday, November 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT-ELECT ROSEN PLEVNELIEV

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2011

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to 
congratulate President-Elect Rosen Plevneliev who was declared the 
winner of Bulgaria's presidential election on Monday in an outcome that 
now gives his party control over all major government posts and will 
bolster its push for painful economic reforms, according to The 
Washington Examiner.
  President-Elect Plevneliev won Sunday's contest with 52.56 percent of 
the vote, according to the Central Election Commission in its final 
tally. It said the turnout was 48 percent.
  Most of the power in the Balkan country of 7.4 million people rests 
with Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and Parliament, but the president 
leads the armed forces and can veto legislation and sign international 
treaties. He also names ambassadors and the heads of the intelligence 
and security services.
  The governing GERB party now controls Bulgaria's top two executive 
positions and Parliament.
  President-Elect Plevneliev, 47, is a former entrepreneur who has been 
lauded for pushing through several large-scale infrastructure projects 
as regional development minister. He has been a member of the board of 
directors of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). He has pledged 
to reduce the budget deficit and pursue business-friendly policies. He 
also said he would do his best to unite Bulgarians in pursuit of 
reforms in the judicial and health care systems, while diversifying 
energy supplies and improving trade.
  President-Elect Plevneliev will take office on January 23. He will 
replace President Georgi Parvanov, who was barred by law from seeking 
re-election because he had served two five-year terms.
  The center-right GERB party also scored victories in the run-off 
elections for local mayors in most of Bulgaria's big cities, including 
in the capital, Sofia.
  Congratulations President-Elect Plevneliev and best wishes for 
success in serving the people of Bulgaria which is a valued partner of 
America.

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