The Radev cabinet is proposing legendary rhythmic gymnastics coach Neshka Robeva for the Order of Stara Planina, first class. A draft decision is the final item on the agenda of the Council of Ministers’ regular meeting. It was submitted by Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov.
Robeva turned 80 on May 26. Under Bulgaria’s law on orders and medals, the Order of Stara Planina is the country’s highest state distinction. It is awarded to Bulgarian citizens who have made exceptionally significant contributions to the country, including heads of state and government, ministers, politicians, public and cultural figures, military personnel and members of the clergy.
Cultural figures receive the order without a ribbon. The ribbon version is intended for heads of state and prime ministers, while the version with swords is designated for military personnel.
The first-class Order of Stara Planina consists of a five-pointed star set against silver rays, with gold edging and enamel. Its center features a ring with gold edging, enamel and the inscription “Stara Planina.” A gold lion attaches the insignia to a white ribbon bearing the colors of Bulgaria’s national tricolor.
Nominations for orders and medals are made by a decision of the National Assembly or the Council of Ministers, based on a reasoned proposal from the relevant ministers. Proposals may also come from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, higher-education institutions, the Bulgarian Red Cross, creative unions, associations and other nonprofit organizations, as well as citizens’ initiative committees. The president makes the decision by decree and organizes the ceremonies.
Ten years ago, the second Borisov cabinet also decided to nominate Robeva for the order. That proposal came from an initiative committee. The minutes of the meeting showed, however, that the decision was not unanimous but passed by a vote of seven to six.
Boye Borisov, Lilyana Pavlova, Krasen Kralev, Nikolina Angelkova, Vezhdi Rashidov, Ivelina Vasileva and Ivaylo Moskovski voted in favor. Rumyana Bachvarova, Vladislav Goranov, Bozhidar Lukarski, Nikolay Nenchev, Meglena Kuneva and Ekaterina Zaharieva voted against. Robeva subsequently refused the distinction after learning that the decision had divided the ministers.
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20520 | 19 Aug. 2026 | 10:04
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