Political Parties
Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria
Coalition for Bulgaria
Bulgarian Socialist Party
Party of Bulgarian Social Democrats
Bulgarian Movement Social Democrats
Bulgarian Agrarian People's Union Alexander Stambolijski
Civil Union "Roma"
Green Party of Bulgaria
Communist Party of Bulgaria
Political environment
Georgi Parvanov, the President of Bulgaria since 22 January 2002, was re-elected in 2006 and began his second term in office in January 2007. Bulgarian presidents are directly elected for a five-year term with the right to one re-election.
The current governmental coalition is made up of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), National Movement Simeon II (NMS) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (representing mainly the Turkish minority). The Bulgarian unicameral parliament, the National Assembly and consists of 240 deputies who are elected for four-year terms by popular vote.
The Bulgarian judicial system consists of regional, district and appeal courts, as well as a Supreme Court of Cassation. In addition, there is a Supreme Administrative Court and a system of military courts. The Presidents of the Supreme Court of Cassation, Supreme Administrative Court and the Prosecutor General are elected by a qualified majority of two-thirds from all the members of the Supreme Judicial Council and are appointed by the President of the Republic. The Supreme Judicial Council is in charge of the self-administration and organisation of the Judiciary.
Members of the European People’s Party
Founded in 1899. Following World War II became the main opposition against the communist regime. Formed part of the government 1997 - 2001 (as a partner in the Obedineni demokratini sili / ODS coalition). Following the general elections of June 2001, BANU - People's Union is represented by 5 Members of the National Assembly, forming the Parliamentary Group of the People's Union together with 2 members of DP and some independent MP's.
The Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) was founded in December 1989 as an opposition to the communist government. It is currently chaired by Petar Stoyanov, former President of Bulgaria (1997-2002), elected by the October 2005 UDF National Conference with 1245 out of 1885 votes cast. The UDF was in power forming its own governments in 1991-1992 and 1997–2001. In June 2005 general elections the UDF led Coalition of the United Democratic Forces gained 8.44% (20 seats). Share of the votes: 1997-52.26%, 2001-18.18%.
Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) was established in June 2004 as a result of a civil initiative. This right-of-center party is the successor of the ruling mandate of the United Democratic Forces (1997-2001). The Executive body of the party is the National Leadership, consisting of twelve members, including the chairman who is elected by the delegates to the National Assembly of Democrats for Strong Bulgaria. in the present Bulgarian Parliament (elected July, 2005) the party currently has the best representation from the right-wing parties. Currently it has about 22 600 members and registered supporters, local branches in about 220 municipalities, covering over 80 % of the Bulgarian population and over 75 % of the municipalities. DSB honors the traditional human values: justice, freedom, peace and harmony in society. The party will promote these values by consolidating the rule of law, protecting civil society and parliamentary democracy, and promoting market competition and economic growth. It seeks to build a Bulgaria thatprovides security and freedom and encourages the solidarity among its citizens.
In government 1997 - 2001 (as member of the "Obedineni demokratini sili / ODS" alliance)
Project: ‘Nationalism and Ethnic Politics’ seminar (December 2004)
EFF Trainer: Jan van Laarhoven
Since the fall of communism, the role of and participation in the political process by ethnic minorities has increased significantly in Bulgaria. Turkish minorities especially suffered greatly under the communist regime. After the fall the Turks have increasingly united, and today the political landscape in Bulgaria can no longer be conceived without the united Turkish minority. The Turkish party "Movement for Rights and Freedoms" is part of the current government coalition. Increasingly, voices of intolerance and nationalism can be heard in Bulgaria. On the eve of elections in Bulgaria, the BANU organised a conference on the role and the position of (ethnic) minorities in Bulgarian politics. Due to the passing of Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, the CDA/EFF specialist on minorities, Nicolien Vroonhoven, unfortunately could not take part in the conference.
Reports
English newspapers
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