Bulgaria’s Constitution, adopted in July 1991, provides for a multi-party, parliamentary system and free elections on the basis of universal suffrage. The parliament consists of the 240-seat National Assembly. Members are directly elected for four years on the basis of proportional representation. Parties and electoral coalitions need 4% of the popular vote to qualify.
Elections can be called before the end of the parliamentary term in certain circumstances, such as the government losing a confidence vote. Following elections, the largest parliamentary group is asked to form a government. A simple parliamentary majority is required to approve a government, comprised of the Council of Ministers, and to pass normal legislation. A three-quarters majority is required to approve constitutional changes. The President serves as Head of State, and is directly elected once every five years for a maximum of two terms. The current President is Georgy Parvanov. The President’s main duties are to schedule elections and referenda, represent Bulgaria abroad and conclude international treaties. The President may return legislation to the National Assembly – a kind of veto – but the legislation can be passed by a simple majority vote. The Council of Ministers is the principal body of the Executive Branch. Chaired by the Prime Minister, it is responsible for carrying out government policies and programs, managing the state budget, and providing for law and order. Bulgaria has an independent judiciary. The Supreme Court of Administration and the Supreme Court of Cassation oversee the application of all laws by lower courts and judges the legality of government actions. A separate Constitutional Court rules on the constitutionality of laws and treaties. Judicial reforms are being implemented to bring Bulgaria’s judiciary to European Union standards. |
