Prof. Tzolo Voutov named Honorary Citizen of Sofia
Sofia Municipal Council awarded the title “Honorary Citizen of Sofia” to Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov at a solemn session on the occasion of St. Sofia Day, marked on 17 September.
The honorary insignia and certificate were presented by Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and Sofia Municipal Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov.
In his opening speech, Mayor Terziev emphasized the importance of people and the values they represent in shaping the development of both the city and society. ‘People are the foundation of a city, and values are the foundation of a society. Today’s celebration is a celebration of values – faith, order, love, and wisdom. Values come to life when we have inspiring examples to follow. This day is so special because we are honouring people who, through their actions, have shown us what role models in our society should be – the kind of people we aspire to become. They come from the worlds of theatre, culture and sports, and each of them is an outstanding example of the values we celebrate today, as well as many others, thanks to which they have achieved their success,’ he said.
Sofia Municipal Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov stated: ‘As an industrialist, scientist and philanthropist, Prof. Voutov is a prime example of how business can be both socially and publicly engaged.’ He emphasized that, as a resident of Slatina District, Prof. Voutov actively supported his neighbours and contributed to the community’s well-being. Mr Tsvetomir Petrov highlighted several projects implemented with the financial support of the President of Geotechmin OOD and companies from GEOTECHMIN GROUP, including the restoration of the ancient church “St. Mina”, the construction of a children’s playground in Slatina District and the renovation of Svetlina-1921 Community Centre. He also noted the donations made to other religious and cultural projects in Sofia: the construction of The Nativity of Christ Church in Mladost Residential District, the Holy Annunciation Church in Druzhba Residential District, and for the construction of new monuments: the Monument to the Lawyers-Saviors of the Bulgarian Jews, the Brothers Proshek Monument, the monuments dedicated to Acad. Blagovest Sendov, Radoy Ralin, etc.
‘It is a great honour for me to be awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Sofia. I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sofia Municipality, the members of Sofia Municipal Council and the people of Sofia. I am especially grateful to the residents of Slatina District for all that we have accomplished together over the years,’ said Professor Voutov. He added ‘I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my colleagues, teams and supporters, whose dedication and collaboration made this possible. I am also grateful to my large family – my two sons and six wonderful grandchildren – and above all, to my wife who has stood by my side for 50 years and has been my greatest source of strength.’
Prof. Voutov said he was proud to have participated in projects that advanced Sofia’s infrastructure and supported the renovation of churches, monuments, playgrounds, and other public spaces. ‘I assure you that I will continue to work so that Sofia always grows, yet never grows old. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul.’ With these words, Professor Voutov concluded his speech at the official session of Sofia City Council.
On St. Sofia Day, the Honorary Citizen of Sofia award was also presented to other prominent public figures, including Bulgarian actor and director Stefan Mavrodiev, 1988 Olympic swimming champion Tanya Bogomilova, poet Naiden Valchev, the 2024 Gold Medalist Science Olympian Viktor Lilov, Alpine World Cup slalom winner Albert Popov, architect Stanislav Konstantinov, and actor Russi Chanev.
The Honorary Badge of Sofia Municipality was awarded to the Society of Cardiologists in Bulgaria, public and cultural figures, and outstanding young sportsmen.
