The rector of Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Sciences, Prof. Sava Dimitrov, said that the higher education system is so politically dependent that it cannot function independently. The wish of the Council of Rectors is for the system to be independent of changes of politicians and changes of policies.
Prof. Dimitrov added that "this protest is not only about salaries, this protest is about the systematic underfunding of basic activities at universities. The social protest is only an element". In an interview with BNR, he gave an example of the tools and materials for work.
The salary problem should be considered as part of the financing of a university," said the rector of the Music Academy.
He compared the situation of our universities with European ones and gave the example of Germany, where musical instruments are automatically replaced once every seven years. In Switzerland, the state also finances them. In our country, some of the instruments in the Music Academy are 30-40 years old.
Prof. Dimitrov did not fail to thank the trade unions, which are quite active, and defined them as a "lever" that exerts influence on the rulers. The Rector added that the requests are for large-scale development of the system. This means that it is constantly being reformed from within. The more an accepted plan is messed with and transformed, this creates uncertainty and instability in the system, and it is conservative and gives results after a few years," Prof. Dimitrov commented.
According to him, one of the major problems of the higher education system in our country is the attraction of foreign students, due to the poorly advertised educational system.
In fact, the most important resource is what we can get from outside, to attract foreign students, not just to pay fees, but to be attracted to work in the country. That is why we need a clear and precise policy", recommended Prof. Sava Dimitrov.
