"I promised my mother to stop talking about certifications, verifications, allocations, and decommissions, because she said you are talking clever, my boy, but I don't understand a thing."

Tomislav Donchev, European Funds Minister

"Now we are working, and let other countries torch their cities and create problems for themselves."

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov on the riots in London

"As an alcohol tourism destination we are already on a par with other European and world destinations."

Bozhidar Dimitrov, manager of the National Museum of History

"The first bottle of mineral water bought in Bulgarian territory, the first lev spent – these are the benefits of culture tourism. The first kebapche or hot dog eaten here are a chance for the people selling them to get rich. That is why we are thinking of replacing alcohol tourism with culture tourism."

Culture Minister Vezhdi Rashidov

"Drivers should stop pretending they are owls and can see at night. They should pull over and have breaks."

Aleksi Kesyakov, secretary of the Road Safety Committee

"Tractors in Bulgaria are on the average 21 years old. It would be great if they were women, not tractors."

Radoslav Hristov, chairman of the National Association of Grain Producers

"The crisis ends on the Day of St Dimitar."

Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov, speaking in October 2010