site.btaFebruary 4, 1997: Bulgaria Chooses Early Elections to End Political Crisis

On February 4, 1997, Bulgaria’s Consultative Council on National Security met at the height of a severe political and economic crisis that had paralyzed the country through the winter of 1996–1997. Hyperinflation, a banking collapse, shortages of basic goods, and unpaid wages had triggered mass protests and a nationwide strike, while public confidence in the government led by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) had evaporated. Tensions escalated after the BSP sought to form another cabinet. Under intense public pressure and amid fears of further destabilization, the Council - chaired by the newly inaugurated president - served as a forum for forging a political exit.

The meeting produced an important consensus: the crisis could only be defused through early parliamentary elections, preceded by the handover of power to a caretaker government. This decision marked a turning point, as it effectively ended BSP’s attempt to retain power and opened the way for a reset of the political system. The immediate consequence was the scheduling of snap elections in the spring of 1997, which were won decisively by the opposition Union of Democratic Forces. In the months that followed, the new government moved to stabilize the economy through sweeping reforms, including the introduction of a currency board, helping to restore financial stability and re-anchor Bulgaria’s democratic and economic trajectory after one of the most turbulent periods since the end of communism in 1989.

Here is how the BTA English Service covered the event:

BULGARIA- CRISIS

Political Forces Agree on Early Elections in April

Sofia, February 4 (BTA) - After a nearly four-hour meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security at the President's Office, the parliamentary political forces agreed for President Peter Stoyanov to schedule early elections in the second ten days of April. The agreement also provides for each parliamentary force to give up its right to form a new cabinet during the life of the present Parliament and for the parliamentary political forces to harmonize and adopt a declaration on the principles of addressing the crisis. According to the official statement, the participants in the Council meeting, in the absence of the outgoing ministers, made the decisions to this effect in the name of national interests and the search for ways to overcome the crisis, being aware of the need to preserve civil peace and diffusing tension.

President Peter Stoyanov expressed to the media his satisfaction with the decision, describing it as "historic".  "We have never been closer to civil conflict," Stoyanov said.  He thanked all parliamentary forces for "reaching the only decision that can alleviate tension in the country."

Thousands of opposition sympathizers rallying for the 30th day Tuesday in support of early elections and against a second cabinet of the Left welcomed the news, chanting "Victory" and "Stoyanov".  Some chanted "Dobrev, We'll Miss You".  Opposition leaders were hugging, some were crying.  The bells of the St Alexander Nevski cathedral, site of the opposition rallies in the last month, were ringing; a bottle of champagne was popped open.  

"You should be here to see people celebrate," said a national radio reporter from the scene.

The barricades should be removed and the protests discontinued, said Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) floor leader Yordan Sokolov.

UDF leader Ivan Kostov informed the multitude about the Council decisions.  He expressed gratitude, first to President Peter Stoyanov, and then to all participants in the protests and the national strike, to the students and the young people.  His words were interrupted by cries of "Heroes".

The rally was addressed by President Peter Stoyanov, with the multitude chanting his name.  "There are many difficult days ahead. I cannot promise that you'll be richer and live better during the life of the caretaker cabinet.  I can only promise I will be honest and always tell the truth. Thank you," Stoyanov said. ED/KT 20:06:16 04-02-1997 -0- nnnn