"Polenta doesn't explode" is the gnomic phrase people in this part of Europe use to describe their attitude of resigned acceptance.

But in Bulgaria something snapped on Sunday, sparking some of the worst unrests since the fall of communism and the establishment of democracy in the late 1980s.

Bulgarians say the quality of life in the country over the past year was just as miserable as during the severe economic and banking crisis in 1996-1997, according to polls.

Back then the winter was riotous and saw massive street protests after the country's banking system crumbled to pieces and precipitous inflation emerged.

This year the winter saw less riotous and not that massive street protests, but one thing is clear – the pre-election campaign is on and it will definitely quicken our pulse.

By the summer Borisov may have to become – for the first time - used to protests and setbacks, dogging him at almost every stop.

Luckily and also for the first time there will be no single odds-on favorite to become the country's next prime minister.

But who knows until when? The new messiah always rides on a wave of anger and garners all the protest votes comes election day.

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