Nikolay Melemov, Mayor of Smolyan
Nikolay Melemov is the first mayor of Smolyan with three consecutive terms in the town's recent history. He has been the town mayor since 2011; he was also a part of the 41st National Assembly. Mr Melemov has two higher education diplomas - veterinary medicine at the University of Kharkiv (Ukraine) and national security at the Academy of the Ministry of Interior in Sofia. He was born in the village near Smolyan. After graduating in Ukraine in 1988, he returned to the Rhodope Mountains, where he worked in both professions - as a veterinarian and as an operative in the Security Service of the Regional Department of Internal Affairs - Smolyan. He was also part of the FC Rodopa football team. In 1999 he started his own business and opened a cosmetic factory, where he produced cream from natural materials to treat skin diseases. The recipe is hereditary, and the ingredients of the cream are kept secret.
Where do you reckon is the responsibility greater - in the parliaments' seat or the mayor's chair?
Thank you for presenting tourism in the Smolyan region through your popular and reputable magazine. Both seats come with great responsibility. It is an inner feeling. But, in my opinion, it is more personal in the mayor's chair.
What are the most significant problems challenging Smolyan municipality?
Like any small to medium-sized municipality, the main problem is retaining young people. As mayor, I set myself the goal of creating a normal environment for them. During these nearly ten years, we have achieved most of our goals in this direction - sports and cultural facilities, urban environment, educational and cultural events, activities, sustainable tourism, etc. The business plays a significant role in high-paying job opportunities, and I believe different possibilities have been created for young people in recent years. Of course, the municipality is a significant employer. The pay is going up, and the jobs are more inclusive, innovative and modern. On the other hand, we are a partner in this process, both for employers, educational establishments, and workers. In my opinion, the trends are positive, and we must work even harder for a good environment with good pay, which is a major factor in the sustainable development of the Municipality of Smolyan.
Where is there undiscovered potential for economic development?
In tourism, mountain farming, wood processing, balneology, high technology. Particularly during the pandemic, telecommuting became very popular.
What is the tourism revenue for the past year?
The municipality invests heavily in tourism, and the revenue is mainly for the private players. It is not bad as long as it leads to value-added products, growth and innovation. On average, we collect around 120-140 thousand levs of tourist tax annually. I also strongly urge everyone in this sector to come out into the open because every lev collected is invested back into tourism, and it is invested according to rules, a programme, and criteria agreed upon with the industry. Apart from these funds, both by projects and own funds, the municipality invests ten times more for tourism development in direct or indirect activities.
I am glad that in 2021 the funds for infrastructure in Pamporovo and other destinations will be millions of leva.
Has the COVID crisis affected the city's economy?
For sure. Again mainly tourism. I hope those employed in the industry will survive because the problem is global and very severe. Both the state and the municipality have done a lot to overcome the consequences, but the damage is severe and present. However, we must look ahead and hope that the pandemic will subside quickly.
What does the business map of Smolyan look like? Who are the most prominent investors and employers?
We have well-established companies working in the polymer, machinery and automotive industries, cable plants such as Arexim and Chronovsky. Weighty timber and manufacturing sector, tourism, trade, garment industry, mountain foods and herbs.
What are the most common problems of the employers from Smolyan?
Complex logistics, shortage of qualified personnel and government regulations.
How does the municipality help solve them?
We meet with all parties in the process and look for a solution daily - from finding suitable space for a business to transportation issues, job fairs, talking to universities and validating majors—cases related to local taxes and fees, service delivery, building infrastructure and much more.
You are a business person - the founder of "DERMAX LTD - SMOLYAN". Does politics help or hinder business in Bulgaria?
I can only express a personal opinion. The only one earning revenues is the business. That is why it is necessary to help businesses in every possible way. I try to help entrepreneurs and business people who want to invest and re-invest in the Smolyan municipality.
After three terms as Mayor of Smolyan, what more do you want to do for the town?
We have many more tasks, ideas and projects. Maybe thermal water, the extension of ski areas, summer tourist services, adding value to agricultural and forest products. The new crossing point with Greece and the accompanying trade, logistics and IT sector. These are our main priorities, but I prefer to draw the vision together with the City Council and the citizens, and my administration and I will work to implement them.
We could desire much more in terms of administrative services. We could impose serious measures. We have introduced a one-stop-shop. I am very attentive to everyone who enters the municipality and everyone I meet on the street. That should be the attitude of all the staff. When your salary comes from people's taxes, you have to be responsible, considerate and humane.
My goal is to make Smolyan tidier and even more beautiful. Everyone who comes from outside says it is a lovely place, and it truly is. However, my fellow citizens should demand more of the municipality's management. They should be my corrective, but also be more involved in solving problems.
We have also set ourselves the goal of attracting high-tech businesses to bring young people back. But, again, I am convinced that the natural environment, the lack of crime, the kindness of the people and their hospitality lay the setting.
