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Tag: Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s election spiral: the anatomy of disappointment

Bulgaria still appears to be mired in a never-ending cycle of elections. Often characterised by overt corruption and backroom deals, the country’s political system is still being manipulated by long-term autocrat Boyko Borissov and his circle. This will prove important as political elites once again attempt to form a functioning government.

April 21, 2023 - Radosveta Vassileva

After yet another election, where are you heading Bulgaria?

Bulgaria continues to be marred by a seemingly never-ending cycle of parliamentary elections. While civil society has continuously called for real reform, numerous parties have collaborated with the country’s status quo forces behind the scenes. This has been made especially clear in light of the recent election in October.

December 9, 2022 - Radosveta Vassileva

Security in the Black Sea region after the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine in 2022 triggered a reshaping of the entire security architecture in the Black Sea region and the whole of Europe. How does the expert community perceive the changes to regional security? What are the lessons learned for the international and regional actors? What could be done to restore and maintain security in the Black Sea region?

September 29, 2022 - Hanna Shelest Maksym Khylko

France’s EU proposal for North Macedonia teaches us that nationalism shall prevail

North Macedonia has faced numerous challenges on its path to EU membership. Having signed a pivotal agreement with Greece in 2018, it was hoped that Skopje could move towards integration unhindered. However, a recent French-sponsored agreement with Bulgaria suggests that Sofia will now wield disproportionate influence over the country’s future.

August 22, 2022 - Alejandro Esteso Pérez

Who is who in the Bulgarian coup?

The downfall of Bulgaria’s new anti-corruption government is still shrouded in mystery. Whilst domestic figures well known for their controversial practices are suspected of orchestrating an effective coup, the evidence also points to potential Russian involvement in these events.

August 10, 2022 - Radosveta Vassileva

The war that brought back the eternal Bulgarian dispute

The war in Ukraine for Bulgarian society is what Donald Trump was for the United States and Brexit for the United Kingdom – a quake that divided society. Bulgaria became a member of the European Union in 2007, but never managed to part with two definitions of itself. One is that it is the poorest and most corrupt country in the EU, and the other is that it was the most loyal satellite of the Soviet Union. These labels continue to influence Sofia's policy and largely explain the political changes in the country since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

July 14, 2022 - Krassen Nikolov

Bulgaria’s institutional wars

Bulgaria’s new government was brought to power on a wave of optimism regarding anti-corruption reforms. However, promised changes are easier said than done. The administration now finds itself in a battle with those still loyal to previous Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

March 21, 2022 - Radosveta Vassileva

Towards a new Bulgaria or a new deception?

Bulgaria has remained one of the worst performing EU states when it comes to issues of corruption. However, recent political changes suggest that the country may be entering a make or break period regarding its justice system.

February 11, 2022 - Blaga Thavard

Bulgaria’s media jungle: the good, the bad and the ugly

The media landscape in Bulgaria seems grim at the moment – oversaturated with tabloids and politically-slanted, oligarchic-owned outlets. The few independent and professional journalists face harassment and prosecution. Boyko Borissov’s recent fall from power gives some hope that things may change in the long run. However, there are a few caveats.

September 21, 2021 - Radosveta Vassileva

Snap elections in Bulgaria: who is ready for political suicide?

While the GERB party was weakened further in the July snap elections in Bulgaria, dismantling the structures it left behind will require the coming together of civil society and remaining political forces.

July 28, 2021 - Radosveta Vassileva

Stuck in post-election limbo, Sofia holds the key to developments in the Black Sea and the Balkans

Another Bulgarian parliamentary election is scheduled for July 11th, after the GERB party failed to form a coalition. The next Bulgarian government will face choices that will have implications for the stability in both the Black Sea and Western Balkans.

May 31, 2021 - Aleksandar Malinov

Dramatic parliamentary elections in Bulgaria: will Borissov transfer power peacefully?

The election results in Bulgaria could be understood as a victory for its civil society. The outcome may bring about changes that could strengthen democracy and make politics in the country more transparent.

April 14, 2021 - Radosveta Vassileva

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