Domestic politics

Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy. The parliament consists of a single chamber of 240 representatives elected by direct popular vote for a four-year term. The present government, headed by Prime Minister Simson Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the former King, took office in January 2001.

The President and Vice-President are directly elected for a five-year term. The office of the President is mainly ceremonial, but it does have executive responsibilities. These include setting a date for national elections, ordering the formation of a government and temporarily halting the passing of legislation. The President is supreme commander of the armed forces and has a voice in important military and diplomatic appointments. The President also nominates the head of government, the Prime Minister. The formation of a government has to be approved by parliament. Bulgaria is a highly centralised state. Although municipal councils and mayors are directly elected, these are largely dependent on funding from central government.

Foreign policy

Accession negotiations with Bulgaria have now been completed in all subject areas (or 'chapters') and Romania has also made a great deal of progress. The European Council of June 2004 expressed the hope that, if the two countries are ready, they will be welcomed into the European Union in 2007 as new member states. The Commission’s annual progress reports on the two countries will state whether they would be capable of fulfilling all the obligations of EU membership upon accession. The next report is expected to appear in October and will play a major role in the EU’s final decision on accession. Bulgaria is a member of NATO.

Economy

The Bulgarian economy has grown steadily since 1998. A rise in foreign investment and reforms in the fiscal sector have led to an increase in revenue. The rate of privatisation has increased since 1998, under pressure from the IMF and World Bank. Domestic investment and real income have increased, and more credit is being granted to small and medium-sized businesses in particular. Bulgaria’s main trading partners are France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Russia and Turkey.

Per capita GDP: EUR 6 078 (in purchasing power parities)

Links

Source: Dutch EU Presidency 2004