Novinite.com 2012 Review: Bulgaria is Polarized, Volatile

Bulgaria in 2013 is highly polarized and volatile, reads the conclusion of Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency)'s review of domestic politics for 2012, written in December 2012.

Wednesday Bulgaria's PM Boyko Borisov unexpectedly filed the resignation of his cabinet, amid massive protests against low incomes and shrunken economic and social opportunities.

Thursday Parliament is to vote the resignation, in a turn of events that seem much like a sudden crash down of a relatively stable government just months before July 2013 general elections.

Although the review argues that a large amount of formal and informal power in Bulgaria remains concentrated at the hands of Borisov, it also adds that significant power reshuffles and growing popular discontent might set the stage for major changes.

"2012 was a year of important institutional change-over and sometimes subtle, but seething and significant reshuffle of power relations among actors," says the review.

"Combined with a continuing economic stagnation, impoverishment of the population, failing educational and health systems, as well as a heightened civic consciousness, this gives many prerequisites for a significant change of scenery in the months to come."

You can read the full Bulgaria 2012 Review: Domestic Politics HERE.