How many Times were Diplomatic Relations between Russia and Bulgaria Severed
If we look at history, there are not many cases in which relations between Bulgaria and Russia at the state level were as bad as they are at the moment.
Bulgaria's Future, Decided in France
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Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)
French voters will head to their voting booths on Sunday in the first round of presidential elections to pick a successor to Jacques Chirac.
Why should I care, here in Bulgaria, about who will be the French president over the next five years, you may ask.
For better or for worse, Bulgaria is part of the European Union and France remains an important voice in the union.
For nearly two years now, politicians across Europe have waited for the outcome of this election, which could prove decisive for the future of the bloc.
The French voters gave a resounding "no" to the European Constitution and hopes for its revival, and with it a more workable union, hinge on who will come on top in this election.
Furthermore, the ethnic riots in the poor suburban areas have shown the failure of the French social model to integrate a big part of its society, making obvious the need for change.
Germany has already realised the same truths, voting Angela Merkel into office to give her a chance to push free-market reforms. The French have the same chance now.
Instead, an exhaustive news search shows more preoccupation with wooing swing voters rather than a debate on tangible issues.
Rather disappointing really that Europe should follow Bulgaria's example in this respect, going for form over substance.
Despite much political posturing, Eastern Europe has made serious efforts to move towards a free market environment in the last decade and a half.
For all the social upheaval, the western European countries that moved in the same direction to deregulate their economies - UK, Spain and Ireland - are now doing better than their counterparts who did not.
Certainly, I would like to see France joining the same camp, but instead of a clue as to where it might be headed I've been treated to news about electoral picnics in Paris and interviews to animal-lover publications.
Whoever wins the race for the presidency, I hope clear policy statements will follow soon, allowing both France and the EU to move forward.
God knows we here in the Balkans have seen enough of pretty words without any results, to the extent that any hopes for better life are invariably associated with the EU.
Why should I care, here in Bulgaria, about who will be the French president over the next five years, you may ask.
For better or for worse, Bulgaria is part of the European Union and France remains an important voice in the union.
For nearly two years now, politicians across Europe have waited for the outcome of this election, which could prove decisive for the future of the bloc.
The French voters gave a resounding "no" to the European Constitution and hopes for its revival, and with it a more workable union, hinge on who will come on top in this election.
Furthermore, the ethnic riots in the poor suburban areas have shown the failure of the French social model to integrate a big part of its society, making obvious the need for change.
Germany has already realised the same truths, voting Angela Merkel into office to give her a chance to push free-market reforms. The French have the same chance now.
Instead, an exhaustive news search shows more preoccupation with wooing swing voters rather than a debate on tangible issues.
Rather disappointing really that Europe should follow Bulgaria's example in this respect, going for form over substance.
Despite much political posturing, Eastern Europe has made serious efforts to move towards a free market environment in the last decade and a half.
For all the social upheaval, the western European countries that moved in the same direction to deregulate their economies - UK, Spain and Ireland - are now doing better than their counterparts who did not.
Certainly, I would like to see France joining the same camp, but instead of a clue as to where it might be headed I've been treated to news about electoral picnics in Paris and interviews to animal-lover publications.
Whoever wins the race for the presidency, I hope clear policy statements will follow soon, allowing both France and the EU to move forward.
God knows we here in the Balkans have seen enough of pretty words without any results, to the extent that any hopes for better life are invariably associated with the EU.
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