Bulgaria was always seen as a corner of European Union. For political reasons, economic but also because it never fully transitioned to EU. Latest protests and implications of its leadership in dealing with the demonstrations has proven that despite being a EU country, Bulgaria remains more like a Balkans country than an EU.
Bulgaria is the most underfunded welfare state in EU. It is struggling to cope with the Pandemic situation, and this is reflecting in its political life as well. As patients officially pay some 48% of health costs, accusations for corruption and bribe in the healthcare are increasing. Protests that began on July 9, were sparked by a raid of the Prosecutor-General’s Office on the headquarters of President Rumen Radev. Radev is a critic of the government and this is seen by the public who are increasingly calling for resignation on the Government. The Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov did a government shuffle where he replaced four key ministers from his cabinet last week in the name of anti-corruption reforms in hope that to end protesters. But the call for his resignation but protests continued and actions included blocking streets and setting up tents in front of the Government building.
The situation in Bulgaria remains fragile. The Right, is urging the government to avoid Italian level of crisis by encouraging actions and limitations in freedom of movement and other actions whereas the Left in coalition with the non-governmental sector and majority of media is asking for debt cancelations and threatening with paralyzing the country with general strikes.
Thousands of people wowing on the streets by ignoring limitations introduced by the government due to pandemic situation, are accusing the government for cosmetic changes in the cabinet and not fighting corruption. Most of corruption allegations are linked to mafia and control of media. Protesters are calling the Prime Minister “shameful and disgrace.” Borissov, who rose to power in 2009, addressed protestors through Facebook. He is calling to stop blocking streets under promise that next year’s elections will be organized fully in compliance with the constitutional deadlines. But the likeness of elections next year is far considering pandemic situation and also preparations for elections by the government and parties.
On the other hand, the biggest protests in Bulgaria since 2013 may cause a serious threat to the European Union. The silence of European leaders on the subject of reform on corruption, the mafia links of those in power; reforms to the judiciary; and freedom of speech in Bulgaria is contributing to the spread of crisis in country. The polarization of society and politics in Bulgaria is on its peak since 2013 and EU is looking at another Hungary situation in the region. The raise of euro-sceptics in Bulgaria is linked directly to the inability of EU to effectively influence Bulgarian government to push for the reforms and fight corruption. The pandemic situation is a catalyst for the protests and demonstrations in one hand while in the other hand, is used by the government to crack down on the protesters. When the whole world is battling with the pandemic situation, Bulgaria is falling into the same situation as Hungary with the raise of populism. Being the poorest EU member and with most corrupt, according to Transparency International, Bulgaria is the weakest link in the EU. Especially because of its external border and its closeness with Hungary. Bulgaria as it stands, is a perfect potential ally for Orban in the anti-EU which might end the Union as we know it.
