As Bulgaria finally joins the EU and declares its last tie with the Russian era cut, Bulgarians are not so festive. They feel that oppression under Russian rule has been replaced by oppression by home rule.
75% of Bulgarians say they feel as if they live in a police state. About 22% of the population declared that the regime they live under is barely "bearable".
The political scene in Bulgaria has been deteriorating for a number of years. Together with Hungary and Romania, it seems to want to harken back to a time when citizen lacked almost every freedom and totalitarian rule was the norm.
42% of the population furthermore, wishes to oust the Oresharski government currently in power. In fact his government represents only a minority of the population.
Entry into the European Union, officially just made a month or so ago, is a welcome event for the population. But with it, will it also come better economic and social conditions for Bulgaria's citizens? That happiness at being part of the European Union did not translate to wanting to adopt the Euro, however. The fate of many of the Euro zone countries, now almost dire, is giving many reasons for concern. They see the adoption of the Euro as a possible road to ruin.
Bulgaria's economy is already struggling, even as it just ascends to the coveted Euro zone membership. Some see that as an ominous sign. How can Bulgaria compete with its much more industrialized and wealthy European neighbors?
On Tuesday, protests were met with batons. Corruption and graft in the government are rampant, a legacy of communist rule that will be hard to displace or erase.
Only 13.4 % of Bulgarians live above the adequate standard of living line. Many have reason to ask how will Bulgaria become a new nation under EU rule.
Source : France 24/ 7.27.13
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