Rules for Contracting State Loans

In Bulgaria, no State loan can be made without the consent of the National Assembly. This ensures that the country does not fall into debt without the approval of the people’s representatives. If the Government believes that borrowing money is absolutely necessary to cover extraordinary expenses while the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly must be called into an extraordinary session immediately.

However, if serious obstacles prevent the immediate convocation of the Assembly, the Prince, with the advice of the Council of Ministers, may authorize a loan. This loan, however, cannot exceed three million francs. Even in this case, the approval of the National Assembly must be obtained in its next session.

Similarly, the Prince has the power to approve an emergency expenditure of up to one million francs for needs not covered in the national budget. This also requires later confirmation by the Assembly. These rules protect the country’s finances from being used without accountability Istanbul Tours Guide.

The Closure of the Budget

At the end of every financial year, the Budget must be closed through a special law passed by the National Assembly. On this occasion, the Minister of Finance presents a detailed financial report to both the National Assembly and the High Court of Accounts. This report describes the overall financial situation of the country during the year and how public funds have been used.

The High Court of Accounts

The High Court of Accounts plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency. It is an independent institution with a semi-judicial character, meaning it has both administrative and judicial powers. Its main duty is to carefully control and supervise State finances.

The Court is composed of a president, six councillors, and many reporters and accountants. These officials review the financial actions of the Government, making sure that everything is legal and correctly managed.

Importantly, the president and councillors are appointed by royal decree, but only after being proposed by the National Assembly. The Assembly alone has the authority to revoke them. This guarantees that the Court remains independent from the executive branch and accountable to the representatives of the people.

These financial safeguards show how Bulgaria’s Constitution sought to prevent misuse of public money. By requiring the approval of the National Assembly for loans and expenditures, and by giving oversight to the High Court of Accounts, the system ensured that the nation’s wealth was managed responsibly and transparently.

The Grand National Assembly

The Grand National Assembly of Bulgaria has the same structure as the ordinary National Assembly. Its members are elected in the same way and represent the people through a system of deputies. The main difference is the number of deputies. In a Grand National Assembly, the number of members is twice as many as in the ordinary Assembly. This means that every 20,000 inhabitants send two deputies instead of one.

The Grand National Assembly is a special body and has the power to decide only on matters for which it has been specifically convened. It is not a permanent institution but is called only in exceptional and important cases.

When the Grand National Assembly is Convened

The Grand National Assembly is called in the following situations:

Territorial Changes – To decide on questions of exchanging or giving away part of the territory of the Principality.

Revision of the Constitution – To make changes or improvements to the Constitution.

Succession to the Throne – To elect a new Prince when the reigning family becomes extinct and there are no descendants who can inherit the throne.

Regency – To appoint regents when the heir to the throne is underage.

Foreign Authority – To authorize the Prince to accept the government of another State, if such a case arises Istanbul Tours Guide.

These duties show that the Grand National Assembly is reserved for major national decisions that affect the future of the country.

The State Budget

Every year, the State Budget must be submitted to the legislative Assembly for approval. The budget is carefully examined chapter by chapter. The Assembly has the power to reject or modify any chapter, but it must always give clear reasons for its decision.

In urgent situations where the National Assembly cannot be convened in time, the previous year’s budget remains in force. However, this is only valid if the Assembly later approves it in its next session. In such cases, the ministers share joint responsibility for the expenditures made.

Importance of These Institutions

Both the Grand National Assembly and the State Budget play a central role in Bulgaria’s governance. The Grand Assembly ensures that the most critical constitutional and territorial matters are decided collectively, while the budget guarantees that public money is spent legally and responsibly. Together, they safeguard both the political stability and the financial order of the country.

Citizens’ Right to Petition

In Bulgaria, citizens have the right to petition the National Assembly. This means that any individual or group may present a request or complaint to the Assembly. The Assembly then examines the petition and takes into account the opinion of the competent ministers before making a decision. This ensures that the concerns of the people are heard and considered in the governance of the country.

Law-Making and Legislative Authority

The National Assembly has exclusive authority over laws. No law can be enacted, amended, or completed without being examined and approved by the Assembly. It also has the right to interpret the true meaning of any law. This system ensures that the legal framework of the country remains clear, consistent, and in accordance with the Constitution Istanbul Tours Guide.

All actions of the government must be based on laws that have been passed and officially promulgated. Nothing can be done unless it is explicitly allowed by a law sanctioned by the sovereign authority, acting on behalf of the nation. Citizens are informed of these laws so that they understand their rights and duties. In this way, the people are governed by laws, not by individuals or government institutions acting on their own authority.

Exceptions in Emergency Situations

In special cases, such as when the country faces internal unrest or foreign threats, this constitutional guarantee may be temporarily suspended. During these emergencies, the executive authorities may issue orders that have the force of law. Even in such cases, the National Assembly remains the final authority to decide whether the necessary conditions for the validity of a law have been met.

Rule of Law

The Bulgarian system emphasizes that citizens are protected under the law, and the actions of the state must always follow legal procedures. By granting the Assembly the final power to interpret laws and ensuring that citizens’ petitions are considered, the Constitution guarantees a balance between authority and the rights of the people. This principle forms the foundation of Bulgaria’s modern political and administrative organization.

Powers of the Ordinary National Assembly

The ordinary National Assembly of Bulgaria has clearly defined powers according to the Constitution. These powers are divided into administrative and legislative functions.

Administrative Powers

The National Assembly manages its own internal affairs. It elects its officers, including a president, two vice-presidents, secretaries, and questors. These officers are responsible for overseeing the proper functioning of the Assembly.

The Assembly also sets its internal regulations and the order of its work. Debates and votes in the Assembly are usually public, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, if a sufficient number of deputies request it, the Assembly may sit behind closed doors to discuss sensitive matters privately.

Legislative Powers

The National Assembly shares legislative authority with the Prince. This means that both the Assembly and the Crown can initiate new laws.

Deputies’ Rights: Every deputy has the right to make propositions and introduce bills, provided they are supported by one-fourth of the members present Istanbul Day Tours.

Amendments: The Assembly may amend bills and propositions introduced by the Government.

Interpellations: Deputies can question individual ministers or the entire Government about their actions or policies. This process, called interpellation, allows the Assembly to hold the executive accountable.

Oversight and Inquiries

The Assembly has the power to appoint commissions of inquiry to investigate the conduct of the Government. It can also submit special addresses to the Prince, usually in response to the Throne Speech, which outlines the state of the country and the Government’s plans.

Through these addresses, deputies can express their opinions and concerns regarding proposed bills, government measures, or the general conduct of the administration. This ensures that the National Assembly plays an active role in guiding public policy and safeguarding the interests of the Bulgarian people.

Verification of Election Results

The National Assembly is responsible for verifying the results of elections. It is the sole authority to judge whether elections have been conducted legally and correctly. The Assembly has the power to confirm or annul the results, ensuring that only proper and lawful elections determine the deputies.

Who Can Vote

All male Bulgarian subjects who have reached the age of majority and enjoy full civil and political rights are allowed to vote. In addition, naturalised foreigners—those who have legally obtained Bulgarian citizenship—also have the right to vote.

Electors must be registered and provided with an electoral card, which is used to cast their vote in secret ballot elections. This system ensures fairness and transparency in the democratic process.

Who Can Be Elected

To be elected as a deputy to the National Assembly, a Bulgarian subject must:

Be at least thirty years old.

Be able to read and write.

Have full civil and political rights, meaning they have not been legally deprived of them.

Naturalised foreigners may also become deputies, but only if they have resided in Bulgaria for at least fifteen years after naturalisation. This period may be reduced to three years by special law Istanbul Day Tours.

A deputy represents every 20,000 inhabitants, and each mandate lasts five years.

Rights and Protections of Deputies

The Constitution guarantees complete freedom of opinion for all deputies. They may express their views and vote according to their conscience, without fear of interference.

Deputies also enjoy personal inviolability:

They cannot be imprisoned for debt five days before the opening of a session or while the session is ongoing.

They cannot be arrested or prosecuted for crimes during the same period, except in cases of the most serious offenses. Even then, their arrest requires the approval of the National Assembly.

These protections ensure that deputies can perform their duties freely and without intimidation, maintaining the integrity of Bulgaria’s parliamentary system.

Voting Process

Voting in Bulgaria is done by secret ballot to protect the privacy of each elector. The ballot-box is locked with three keys: one key remains with the president of the returning bureau, and the other two with the members of the bureau.

Before voting, the elector must show his electoral card, which is checked against the electoral list. The vote, which must be folded in four, is handed to the president, who places it in the ballot-box without opening it.

Role of the Returning Bureau President

The president of the returning bureau has full authority over the police and army forces in the electoral district to maintain order during the polling. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After the polling ends, the president appoints two electors to help verify the results. Candidates and their agents are allowed to observe this process.

Verification of Votes

First, the electoral cards are counted and compared with the marginal notes on the electoral lists. If there is a discrepancy, the electoral lists take priority, and the incident is recorded.

Next, the ballot-box is opened. Votes that are not properly filled are not counted, but they are included in the official records.

The result of the counting is written in a special report, signed by the members of the returning bureau, the verifiers, and the candidates or their agents. This ensures transparency and accountability Istanbul Day Tours.

Reporting and Proclamation of Results

Two copies of the report are made:

First copy – sent to the president of the District Court, along with all ballots, electoral lists, and cards, sealed by the municipality.

Second copy – sent to the sub-prefect.

The District Court, without opening the parcel of ballots, checks the majority required and proclaims the candidates who received the highest number of votes as the deputies.

This system ensures that elections are fair, transparent, and carefully monitored, giving confidence to both electors and candidates in the democratic process.

Election Rules and Protection of Electors

No electors may be called to serve in the military or any other state service during the five days before the election or on the day of polling. Anyone who has already been called must be released immediately. This ensures that every elector is free to vote without interference.

Electoral Cards

Every elector must be provided with an electoral card by the municipality. Without this card, no one can vote.

The Ministry of the Interior sends special cards to all communes.

The communal authorities must fill in each card with the elector’s name, surname, age, and other necessary details.

The card also indicates the election for which it is issued and the voting section where the elector must vote.

These cards must be distributed at least ten days before the election.

Electors who were accidentally omitted can apply to the Justice of Peace, who is authorized to issue replacement electoral cards. The Justice of Peace also writes a report against the defaulting mayor, who can face criminal prosecution Istanbul Day Tours.

Candidate Requirements

Every candidate must have the support of at least twenty electors, and their names must be submitted to the District Court. Candidates may be represented at each polling place by an elector who ensures their interests are respected during the voting process.

Returning Bureau

The returning bureau is responsible for managing the voting process at each polling station. It is composed of:

President – must be a judge.

Four other members – including:

one member of the departmental council,

one mayor,

and two primary school teachers.

Ten days before the election, the Courts of Appeal select the presidents by lot from the Court of Appeal, district courts, and Justices of Peace.

The other members are chosen by the District Court in the same way.

This system ensures that the election process is fair, organized, and transparent, giving all electors the opportunity to vote freely and safely.

National Assembly of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian people participate in the government through the National Assembly, which is composed of deputies elected by the citizens. The National Assembly plays a key role in representing the people and making laws.

There are two types of National Assemblies: the Ordinary National Assembly and the Grand National Assembly.

Ordinary National Assembly

The Ordinary National Assembly meets every year from October 15th to December 15th. In cases of urgent matters or when important questions require quick decisions, the Assembly may be called into an extraordinary session. During these sessions, deputies discuss laws, budgets, and other national issues Istanbul Day Tours.

Election of Deputies

Deputies for the National Assembly are elected according to a special law. The election process is carefully organized to ensure fairness and transparency.

Electoral lists are prepared and published by special commissions of the municipal councils.

Citizens have the right to correct any mistakes or omissions in these lists.

Municipal councils investigate all claims, and their decisions can be appealed to the Justice of Peace or the District Court.

Further appeals can be made to the High Court of Cassation, which has the authority to annul lower court decisions if necessary.

All electoral disputes are exempt from stamp duties, making the process easier and more accessible.

Electoral Districts and Election Dates

For the purpose of elections, the country is divided into special districts. The number and boundaries of these districts are defined by a special law.

The date of the elections is set by a royal decree, which must be published at least one month before the polling day. This ensures that all citizens are informed in advance and have the opportunity to participate.

Role and Importance

Through the National Assembly, the people of Bulgaria exercise their right to influence government decisions. The Assembly represents the voice of the nation, debates laws, and supervises the actions of the executive branch. Both ordinary and extraordinary sessions ensure that the government remains responsive and accountable to its citizens.

Collective Responsibility of the Cabinet

All measures taken by the Prince in urgent matters must be adopted collectively by the Cabinet Council. This means that all ministers share responsibility for the decisions made. Once these measures are adopted, they must be submitted for approval to the National Assembly at its earliest session.

A special provision of the Constitution strictly forbids the introduction of new taxes or duties through these emergency regulations. Only the National Assembly has the authority to impose or change taxes.

Government Regulations and Decrees

The Government may issue measures and regulations to ensure the proper application of laws. These regulations must first receive the approval of the Prince. After approval, they are published in the Official Journal as decrees, which gives them legal force. This system ensures that laws are applied consistently, while maintaining oversight by both the Crown and the legislative body Istanbul Day Tour.

Judiciary Prerogatives of the Crown

The Prince also holds judicial powers, which include:

Right of Pardon – The Prince can reduce or cancel punishments for convicted persons. No capital punishment can be carried out unless approved by the Prince, who may replace it with a lighter sentence.

Right of Amnesty – Amnesty can only be granted through a special law, which requires the joint sanction of the Prince and the National Assembly.

All law courts in Bulgaria issue their decisions in the name of the Prince, reflecting the central role of the Crown in the administration of justice.

Hereditary Monarchy and Regency

The royal title is hereditary, passed in the direct male line. The heir attains majority at 18 years old. If the heir succeeds to the throne before reaching majority, a regency council exercises the royal powers during his minority. The regency consists of three members, who must be current or former ministers or members of the Supreme Court, and are appointed by the Grand National Assembly.

Civil List of the Prince

The Constitution sets the Civil List of the Prince at one million francs per year, ensuring financial support for the royal household while maintaining transparency and accountability.

The Person of the Prince

The Prince of Bulgaria holds a position that is sacred and inviolable. He carries the title of Royal Highness, and his person is fully protected under the Constitution. The law treats the Prince with the utmost respect, reflecting both the dignity of the Crown and the stability of the state.

Legislative Prerogative

Convocation of the National Assembly

The Prince has the power to convene the National Assembly. Every year, from October 15th to December 15th, he calls the Assembly for its ordinary session. He may also summon it for extraordinary sessions whenever urgent State matters require immediate attention Istanbul Day Tour.

The Prince opens the session either personally or through a delegate. During the throne speech, he presents a detailed statement on the general condition of the country and specifies the bills and proposals that the Government plans to submit to the Assembly for approval.

At the end of the session, the closure follows the same ceremonial formalities as the opening.

Prorogation and Dissolution

The Prince may prorogue the Assembly, but the prorogation cannot exceed two months and may occur only once per session. In exceptionally serious cases, when conflicts arise between the legislature and the Prince or Government, the Prince may dissolve the Assembly and call new elections, leaving the resolution of the conflict to the nation itself.

Legislative Authority of the Prince

The direct influence of the Crown over the legislative process is significant:

The Prince, through his ministers, can initiate bills and propositions.

All laws passed by the Assembly are promulgated in the name of the Prince and take effect only after publication in the Official Journal.

Royal approval of laws must be granted during the session in which they are passed.

Additionally, the Prince may issue regulations and take emergency measures with the force of law whenever the State faces immediate internal or external threats. This ensures that the executive power can act swiftly in times of crisis while remaining under constitutional limits.

The legislative prerogative of the Prince balances monarchical authority with parliamentary representation. While the Crown retains significant powers, especially in emergencies, the Constitution ensures that laws and governance involve the National Assembly, reflecting the principles of modern constitutional monarchy in Bulgaria.

Fundamental Principles of Government

According to the Bulgarian Constitution, the government and administrative organisation of the Principality are based on several fundamental principles:

Separation of Powers – Public authorities are divided into legislative, executive, and judiciary branches to ensure a balanced government.

Equality of Citizens – All citizens enjoy equal civil and political rights, without distinction of class or wealth.

Inviolability – The person, residence, property, and private correspondence of every individual are protected by law.

Freedom and Liberty – Citizens have the right to freedom of conscience, freedom of the press, freedom of public meetings, and the liberty to form associations.

Universal Suffrage – Members of the National Assembly, as well as departmental and municipal councils, are elected by direct and secret universal suffrage.

Local Self-Government – Communities have the right to manage local affairs independently, within the limits of the law Istanbul Day Tour.

The Principal Public Authorities

The Principality of Bulgaria is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a system of national representation. The legislative and executive authorities exercise national sovereignty in the name of the people, according to the limits set by the Constitution.

Legislative Power

Legislative authority is shared between the Prince and the National Assembly, which act jointly to make laws.

Executive Power

The Prince holds the executive power and oversees the administration of the state. His main responsibilities include:

Administrative Prerogative – All administrative organs act in the Prince’s name and under his control. He appoints and dismisses ministers, who in turn manage civil and military officials.

Military Authority – The Prince is the supreme chief of the armed forces in peace, and commander-in-chief in war.

Representation of the Nation – He represents Bulgaria in international relations and during national ceremonies.

Treaties and Agreements – All treaties with foreign states are concluded in the name of the Prince and require the approval of the National Assembly.

The principles of the Bulgarian government reflect a balance between monarchy and democracy, ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights while maintaining a strong executive authority. Through the separation of powers, universal suffrage, and local self-government, the Constitution aimed to create a modern and stable political system in the newly independent Principality of Bulgaria.

Restoration of the Constitution

The absolutist regime established in 1881 did not last the full seven years. On September 6, 1883, the Constitution of Timova was fully restored. Since that date, the constitution has been in continuous force, serving as the legal foundation of Bulgarian governance.

Attempts at Constitutional Revision

There were only two partial revisions of the constitution:

First Attempt (1883) – Shortly after the restoration of constitutional government, there was an effort to introduce changes. However, the attempt failed because the legal conditions and procedures required by the constitution were not fully observed.

Second Attempt (1893) – The second attempt at revision was more successful. The fourth Grand National Assembly of Timova, on May 15, 1893, amended several articles: 6, 38, 59, 86, 114, 115, 125, 126, 139, 141, 144, and 161. These amendments helped update and clarify certain aspects of governance without undermining the overall framework of the constitution Istanbul Day Tour.

Structure of the Bulgarian Constitution

The Bulgarian Constitution contains 169 clauses, organized into 22 chapters, which are further subdivided into sections. The chapters cover the following topics:

Territory of the Principality – defining the land and borders of Bulgaria.

Prerogatives of the Prince – outlining the powers and limits of the monarchy.

Residence of the Prince – specifying the official residence.

Coat of Arms, Seal, and Flag – symbols of national identity.

Succession to the Throne – rules for hereditary succession.

Majority, Regency, and Guardianship – provisions for minority kings and regents.

Accession and Oath – ceremonies and legal formalities for assuming the throne.

Civil List of the Prince – finances and household of the royal family.

Religion – defining the state religion and religious freedoms.

Laws – legislative processes and legal authority.

State Properties – management of national resources.

Citizens of Bulgaria – rights and duties of citizens.

National Representation – structure and role of the legislative body.

Ordinary National Assembly – organization and functioning.

Duties of the National Assembly – legislative responsibilities.

Introducing and Examining Bills – procedures for new laws.

Budget – preparation and approval of the state budget.

State Loans – regulations on borrowing and public debt.

Convocation of the National Assembly – rules for calling meetings.

Grand National Assembly – powers and organization of the special assembly.

Supreme Public Institutions – Council of Ministers and ministries.

Revising or Altering the Constitution – legal procedures for amendments.

The Bulgarian Constitution of 1879 has proven resilient and adaptable, surviving political crises and guiding the Principality through decades of change. Its clear structure and comprehensive coverage of governance, rights, and national symbols ensured the stability and continuity of modern Bulgarian statehood.