Simeon II's Return and the "Fourth Bulgarian Kingdom"
As King Simeon II, brought from Madrid with Kremlin support, emerged on the Bulgarian political scene, the majority turned their attention to a new direction, stirred by emotions and sympathy toward the monarchy. The promises of a better life made by Simeon II, including a 5,000 levs loan per capita with no interest and the famous boast of "800 days" to "get people fixed," led to his party's victory in the elections of June 2001. Despite Ivan Kostov's success as Prime Minister, discontent with Rostov's "blue" government in November 2001 resulted in the election of a "red" president, Georgi Parvanov, marking a shift in power dynamics.
Simeon II's Rule and Economic Challenges
During Simeon of Saxe-Coburg Gotha's rule from 2001 to 2005, Bulgaria experienced the highest prices for commodities and services, causing a drastic drop in the standards of living for the majority. Despite the country's NATO membership in April 2004, economic challenges persisted, with low salaries and over 2 billion levs annually entering the country from Bulgarians working abroad. The European Union membership became the new target, accompanied by promises that exceeded expectations Guided Turkey Tours .
The "European Dream" and Anticipation for Elections
As the spring of 2005 approached, the ruling crust, largely comprised of former Communist party functionaries, their relatives, or individuals associated with Zhivkov's regime, anticipated the upcoming parliamentary elections. Processes of "democratization" and the establishment of a "market economy" concluded, raising concerns as over 80 percent of state budget funds passed through firms controlled by ministers and high dignitaries. While Bulgaria awaited European Union membership, the majority of the population, constituting over 80 percent, wondered whether their old needs would be satisfied when "Old Europe" embraced Bulgaria. With diminishing old hopes, the people clung to new aspirations for the future.
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