MINORITY PROBLEMS IN BULGARIA

Historical Background

Emergence of nation

The ouster of communist leader Todor Zhivkov on 10 November 1989 precipitated a reform process culminating in the dismantling of state socialism in 1990 and the establishment of a more democratic form of government.

National Identity

Bulgarian national identity is premised on the understanding that the Bulgarian nation (people) was formed with a distinctive ethnic identity during the Middle Ages (from a mix of Slavic, Bulgar, and other ethnicities). This identity, preserved throughout Ottoman rule, formed the basis for an independent nation-state.

Ethnic Relations related to neighbour countries

Romania

Serbia

Greece

Turkey

FYR Macedonia

Many Bulgarians, however, continue to consider Macedonians as Bulgarians, and the existence of a Macedonian minority within Bulgaria is generally denied.

Most Orthodox Bulgarians and Muslims are not observant, and many are atheists, partly a result of the state socialist government's attempts to discredit religion.

MINORITY GROUPS IN BULGARIA

Turks• Turks are the largest minority group in Bulgaria.

• According to census in 2011, there are 588.318 Turk minority.

• Percentage of Turks in Bulgaria population is 8.8 %

• Turks extensively live in Kurdzhali (Kırcaali), Razgrad (Hezargrad), Silistra (Silistre), Targovishte (Eski Cuma), and Shumen (Şumnu)

Romani People (Gypsies)

• According to census in 2011, there are 325.343 Gypsies.

• Equivalent to 4.9 % of the population.

• The Romanies are present in all provinces of Bulgaria, their highest percentages in Montana Province (12.5%) and Sliven Province (12.3%) and their smallest percentage in Smolyan Province, where they number 686.

OTHER MINORITIES

• Armenian, Vlachs, Ukrainians, Greeks, Gagauzs, Macedonians, Romanians, and Tatars.

• These are 0.3% of all population.

• Approximately, their all number is 35.000.

Political Representation/Participation of

Minorities in Bulgaria

The Movement for Rights and Freedom (MRF)

• was formed in 1990

• first political party representing Turks and other Muslim communities

• has always been represented in the parliament and has been member of three governing coalitions

• MRF‘s statute defines party as: „political organization, established to contribute to the unity of Bulgarian citizens through respect of rights and freedoms of minorities in Bulgaria

Ahmed Dogan

- Among its priorities is to create legal and social guarantees for prevention of ethnic and religious intolerance and discrimination and for equality in rights, freedoms and social security for all communities.

- In the beginning was supported mainly by Bulgarian Turks

- In time MRF received support also from other minority groups

Parliamentary elections result:(MRF)

ELECTIONS % SEATS

1991 7,55 21

1994 5,44 15

1997 7,60 19

2001 7,45 21

2005 14,07 34

Other minority participation on central level

• Roma minority is poorly represented on the central level.

• Political Party „Roma“ is one of the 8 members of the Coalition of Bulgaria

• does not have much to say in the work of the government

• has one single representative in Parliament

Minority representation

• Most voters belonging to Bulgarian Turkish and Pomak communities are represented on both local and central government

• Roma minority is only simbolically represented on the central level and underrepresented on the local level

• Among the smaller Bulgarian minorities, Macedonians are the only community which has organized politically

• OMO Ilinden party: Registered in 1999 It ran only 9 muncipalities with 3069 votes Later, it was declared as a separatist party, working against the

sovereignty and teritorrial integrity of the country.

Ideological clashes

Bulgarian ideology (formation and effects)

• Turkish ideology

• Assimilation or integration

THE END!

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