Since early 1997 Bulgaria is governed by a right-wing coalition with a strong and stable social and parliamentary support. The current President of the Republic is member of the ruling coalition.
First established in 681 as a federal union between Slav, Protobulgarian and Thrace tribes, Bulgaria becomes a powerful state during the period VIII - XII centuries preceeded by the Byzance Empire built over the ruins of ancient Roman Empire.
At the end of XIV century, the Ottoman Empire conquers Bulgaria and brings to a halt the emergent forces of early mediaval Renaissance. 1878 San Stefano Peace Treaty ends the Russo-Turc war and tears the country in 5 pieces. Bulgaria never recaptures its Old Glory and political power.
You could consult the site about
Bulgaria's brief history outlines , by Dimiter Markovski.
Following controversary political decisions, Bulgaria enters both world wars on the wrong side. However, it is known for being the country that saved all its Jew population from the Nazi's Holocaust during the Second World War. Post-war reparations deprive the country from the vital financial resources needed for its development.
After several years of sustainable growth under the Sax-Coburg royal dynasty, a communist coup d'etat takes the country to 45 years of totalitarian government and political dependency from Soviet Union.
In 1989, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the fight for power within the Communist Party provoques controlled social grievance and opposition movements emerge. After a number of manipulated elections preserve the status quo, in 1992 the opposition block forms a new government to last 9 months. Several communist-controlled governments follow until the beginning of 1997 when massive social unrest freezes the economy and the last communist government resigns.
The economy of Bulgaria still suffers from the deep economic crisis resulting from the transition to market economy. Privatisation of state-owned entities from all sectors is on going with foreign investments starting to flow in the country.
Since June 1997 the country's financial system operates under currency board conditions. The Bulgarian Lev is linked to the German Mark in a fixed exchange rate and now 1 Lev is equal to 1 Deutsche Mark and approximately 0.5 Euro. The new international currency code is BGN instead of BGL. Under currency board, along with many other restrictions, the State budget deficit can not be finaced by the Central Bank. Re-finacing of banking sector is strictly prohibited as well. Thus the economy at all levels operates at the point where income is at least equal to expenditure. With the implementation of the EMU in Europe, the national currency will be linked to the Euro via the Deutsche Mark.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic by Constitution. The National Assembly consists of 240 directly elected MPs.
Parliamentary elections are held every 4 years. The Prime Minister is nominated by the President and suggests Council of Ministers to be voted by the Assembly.
The President of the Republic is also directly elected with a 5-year mandate. The President is mostly a ceremonial figure. However, he is also Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Army.
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given by the CIA World Factbook 1999