Today is a celebration of political will, a celebration of common political reason, a celebration of those who can think in perspective. This was stated by the National Assembly President Tsveta Karayancheva in her solemn speech in Veliko Tarnovo on the occasion of the 112th anniversary of declaring Bulgaria's independence. The celebrations in Veliko Tarnovo are under the patronage of the President of the Bulgarian Parliament.

The National Assembly President greeted the honorary lines of the formations of the National Military University. Traditionally, there was a reading of the manifesto by which on 22 September 1908 Tsar Ferdinand proclaimed Independence. The solemn fireworks display took place in Tsar Asen I Square in front of the Tsarevets Fortress.

Declaring Bulgaria's independence 112 years ago was a united effort that survived decades, Tsveta Karayancheva noted in her speech. In her words, the road to the historic 22 September 1908 is predetermined by the visionaries who participated in the strife for independent church, by the architects of BRCK, by those brave Bulgarians – heroes and martyrs who participated in the April Uprising, by the resistance forces in the Russian-Turkish War, by the creators of the Tarnovo Constitution and by those Bulgarians who achieved such an economic upsurge that the Great Powers remained surprised by what young Bulgaria achieved.

Tsveta Karayancheva pointed out that the Independence Manifesto was read on 22 September, and afterwards many people fought on the diplomatic front. In to her words, they toured the capitals, sought support, conceded on some matters, but on others they were firm like steel, so that in mid-April 1909 an independent Bulgaria could be recognised by all.

According to the President of Parliament, when we gather to celebrate what the builders of modern Bulgaria have done for our country, we must not forget and not make the mistakes of those after them again.

Tsveta Karayancheva noted that here in Veliko Tarnovo every stone has its history and it is here that we must bear the greatest responsibility in order to preserve that original meaning of independence concept – an alloy of idealism, pragmatism, reason and courage.