The democratic character of the Tirnovo Constitution is clearly shown in Article 57. This article stated that all citizens were equal before the law. No legal privileges were allowed based on birth, class, or social position. Titles of nobility and similar distinctions did not exist in Bulgaria, mainly because of historical conditions and the long period of Ottoman rule. This made Bulgarian society more socially equal compared to many European countries at that time.
The Tirnovo Constitution strongly reflected liberal European ideas. It protected personal freedom and aimed to prevent discrimination. All citizens, regardless of wealth or background, were to be treated equally by the courts and the state. These principles placed Bulgaria among the most progressive constitutional states in Europe in the late nineteenth century Bulgaria as a Totalitarian and Socialist State.
Violations of the Constitution Before World War II
Despite its liberal spirit, the Tirnovo Constitution was not always respected. From time to time, some Bulgarian monarchs tried to increase their personal power. During these periods, the constitution was violated or ignored. Governments ruled by decrees instead of laws passed by the National Assembly.
These authoritarian tendencies weakened democratic institutions. Political freedoms were limited, and parliamentary control was reduced. By the beginning of World War II, Bulgaria was ruled under a royalist semi-totalitarian system. Although the Tirnovo Constitution still formally existed, many of its guarantees were no longer applied in practice.
The Communist Takeover in 1944
In September 1944, Soviet troops entered Bulgaria. With their presence, a Communist regime was imposed on the country. This change did not come as the result of free elections or public choice. It was enforced through military and political pressure.
Under international pressure, Soviet troops formally withdrew from Bulgaria in December 1947. However, before leaving, the Soviet authorities ensured that a new political system was firmly established. A new constitution was adopted that followed the Soviet model very closely.
The Communist Constitution of 1947
The Communist Constitution replaced the Tirnovo Constitution in 1947. A comparison between the Bulgarian Communist Constitution and the Constitution of the Soviet Union shows strong similarities in language, structure, and political ideas Guided Istanbul Tour.
Under the Tirnovo Constitution, Bulgaria was a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Under the new constitution, Bulgaria was declared a “people’s republic.” In reality, this term hid the true nature of the regime. Power was concentrated entirely in the hands of the Communist Party.
One-Party Rule and Loss of Political Freedom
The Communist Constitution allowed only one legislative body, which was fully controlled by the Communist Party. All other political parties were eliminated. Elections became meaningless, as only one list of candidates was allowed. This list was prepared and approved by the government.
As a result, real political choice no longer existed. Freedom of expression, freedom of political association, and the right to fair elections were denied in practice. Citizens could not openly oppose the government or form independent political movements.
The Judicial System Under Communism
In theory, the Communist Constitution claimed to protect judicial independence. Article 56 stated that judges were independent and ruled only according to the law. In reality, judges were fully dependent on the Communist Party. Court decisions often followed political orders rather than legal principles.
The Communist Penal Code introduced very dangerous legal practices. It allowed retroactive punishment, meaning that people could be punished for actions that were not crimes at the time they were committed. It also allowed punishment by analogy. Article 2 of the Penal Code defined a crime as any “socially dangerous act,” even if it was not clearly described in the law.
Political Asylum and Ideological Control
Before 1944, Bulgaria did not extradite foreigners for political crimes. This protection was a sign of democratic values. Under the Communist Constitution, this principle was changed.
Article 84 stated that foreigners could receive asylum only if they were persecuted for defending “democratic principles,” national liberation, workers’ rights, or scientific and cultural freedom. In practice, this meant protection was offered only to people who supported Communist ideology. Opponents of communism did not receive the same protection.
The difference between the Tirnovo Constitution and the Communist Constitution was fundamental. The first was based on freedom, equality, and parliamentary democracy. The second established a one-party dictatorship under the appearance of a “people’s republic.” This change marked a complete break in Bulgaria’s constitutional and democratic development.
