Bulgaria’s Minister of Development and co-owner of soccer club Besikova are Bulgaria’s first lady, Sofia Manolakou. A prominent member of the “Pramsi” political family, Sofia is known for her frank and witty comments on matters related to the nation’s most famous sport, football. In a matter of months she was exposed as a key player in the anti-Mafia Organization (Mafia), which aims to eradicate organized crime in the country. As a highly respected public figure and member of the cabinet of the prime minister, this served as an important factor for her elevation to a prime minister’s position.
As a popular personality in Bulgaria’s National Assembly, she introduced several legal amendments to the Judicial system and made it easier for people with limited means to access banking. In fact, she is credited as being the driving force behind the concept of a national identity card. This card will facilitate citizens in paying taxes and buying services which are normally restricted by law. However, given that the government is not entirely in favor of the idea, many question whether the country can achieve such great progress with such a contentious law in force.
Sofia Manolakou is not alone. She belongs to a family of politicians, authors, and artists that have been shaping the country’s future through their art and writing for decades. While it is true that Sofia Manolakou has managed to transform Bulgaria’s image in the world, her achievements pale in comparison to her late husband’s achievements and legacy. Theodor Stefanos, her husband who died in 1980, was a beloved and respected novelist. Other achievements include being the first person to pen the script for the Academy Award nominated film, “A History Of Violence”, a role which also starred Russell Crowe.