1. How would you describe your political/leadership style in three words?
I have no time for working with people that are not motivated to work and do not want to develop something. I have my own speed, I do not need others to move with it, but I do not have time to wait for them. Please excuse me for the lack of patience and humility, though I understand they are important in politics.
2. What one item would you save from your house or apartment if it was on fire?
I would not want to save anything. Let everything burn.
3. Is there anything you have personally achieved or done that would surprise people?
I graduated from a Sofia Secondary School of Mathematics and received a Master’s degree in computer science. As a result, I became an editor and producer of the first TV satirical show in Bulgaria, ‘Kou - Kou’, in the early 90s. It was a great time, one of true freedom of speech in Bulgaria, which is currently lacking. Yet people in Bulgaria know that, so perhaps it’s not a surprise. Maybe they will be surprised to know that I developed, built and ran a small hydroelectric power station in the Rhodope mountains. I sincerely hope my climate footprint is green.
4. What is the most humbling thing you have experienced in your career?
I am humbled by witnessing the tenacity and modesty of the older generation in my country, which has withstood so many hardships during a largely criminal transition where they have been condemned to be the losers. I would like to pay tribute to them and to be able to change society and improve their lives. Unfortunately, over the last 25 years we have turned our country into a place to leave rather than a place to live. We have lost 25 per cent of the population since the 1990s. This is an assessment for all those involved in politics over the past 25 years, including myself.
5. What was the most inspirational and influential book you have read and why?
The iPhone X manual - even MEPs can read it. If you want something a little bit more serious, ‘Sapiens’ by Yaval Noah Harari, for our complete inability to predict and rule the world of the future.
For more 5Qs, get to know Terry Reintke.