Independent for 100 years, the Republic of Bulgaria is a democratic republic whose government includes 28 provinces and executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Political System

The Republic of Bulgaria is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Sofia. The country gained some independence as an autonomous principality of the Ottoman Empire on March 3, 1878. Complete independence was achieved on September 22, 1908. The republic officially celebrates its independence on March 3, Liberation Day.

Bulgaria’s current constitution was adopted on July 12, 1991 and allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Republic of Bulgaria consists of 28 administrative provinces. All provinces are named after their capital cities:

• Blagoevgrad
• Burgas
• Dobrich
• Gabrovo
• Haskovo
• Kardzhali
• Kyustendil
• Lovech
• Montana
• Pazardzhik
• Pernik
• Pleven
• Plovdiv
• Razgrad
• Ruse
• Shumen
• Silistra
• Sliven
• Smolyan
• Sofia City
• Sofia Province
• Stara Zagora
• Targovishte
• Varna
• Veliko Tarnovo
• Vidin
• Vratsa
• Yambol

Executive Branch

The President is Bulgaria’s chief of state. This person is elected by popular vote for a five year term, and is eligible for a second term. Georgi Parvanov, the current President, was elected to the position on January 22, 2002.

Bulgaria’s executive branch of government also supports a Vice President who is elected by popular vote on the same ticket as the President. Angel Marin is the current Vice President.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, nominated by the President and elected by the National Assembly. Sergie Stanishev, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on August 16, 2005. His three Deputy Prime Ministers are Ivaylo Kalfin - Foreign Affairs, Daniel Vulchev - Education & Science, and Emel Etem Toshkova - Disaster Management Policy.

Legislative Branch

The Bulgarian National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie) is a unicameral body consisting of 240 officials. All members are elected by popular vote for four year terms.

The current structure of the National Assembly, by political party is (number of seats)*:

• Coalition for Bulgaria (CfB) - 83
• National Movement for Simeon II (NMS2) - 53
• Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - 33
• Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) - 20
• Attack Coalition (ATAKA) - 17
• Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria (DSB) - 17
• Bulgarian People's Union (BPU) - 13
• Independents - 4

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the following bodies:

• Supreme Administrative Court
• Supreme Court of Cassation
• Constitutional Court
• Supreme Judicial Council

The Constitutional Court consists of 12 justices appointed or elected to nine year terms. The Supreme Judicial Council is comprised of the chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 other members. This group is responsible for appointing justices and prosecutors, and investigating magistrates in the justice system. Members of the council are elected to five year terms by the National Assembly and other bodies of the judiciary.

Legal System

The Bulgarian legal system of civil and criminal law is based on Roman law. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction, with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria Official Website.

Republic of Bulgaria Council of Ministers Official Website.