freedom house

Bulgaria stands out as one of the five countries among a group of 29 nations that have made strides in enhancing their judicial systems, according to the latest annual report released by "Freedom House," an American foundation dedicated to assessing democracy and human rights worldwide.

Bulgaria finds itself in the "free country" category, although its standing teeters on the edge, according to the latest report from the American non-governmental organization "Freedom House." With a score of 78 out of 100, Bulgaria has slipped one place compared to 2022.

"In 2022, freedom of expression in Bulgaria was subjected to new abuses in the conditions of a full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine.

A woman shows her child a picture of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, Turkey, 18 January 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) meeting in Budapest, Hungary, 7 November 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE/ZSOLT SZIGETVARY HUNGARY OUT

The report, which is also the 50th anniversary edition, registered the 17th consecutive year of falls in global freedom but remained hopeful for the coming years.

Both understand that bad moves at the local level are more tolerable to the West than those at the regional level, as long as you play nice with the neighbours; both rule their countries with an iron fist - Vucic overtly, Rama's hidden behind a velvet glove.

Sofia Pride marks its 15th edition this week with various activities, including exhibitions, film screenings and, on Saturday June 18, an open-air concert featuring some of the best-known local performers followed by a march for equal rights. 

A man walks under the Turkish flag during a curfew in the COVID-19 pandemic in Istanbul, May 23, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

"Incidents of transnational repression that took place in Turkey accounted for a quarter of the total recorded by Freedom House last year," the report said.

Bulgaria is classified as a "free" country in the latest Freedom House report on democracy and freedoms around the world.

Bulgaria has 79 points out of 100, one point more than last year (78). According to the rating for political rights, Bulgaria has 33 points out of 40 possible, and according to the rating for civil liberties - 40 out of 60 possible.

In its latest annual report on trends in democracy, published on Wednesday, Freedom House alleged that two veteran political leaders in Kosovo, Hashim Thaci and Ramush Haradinaj, are among various powerful figures in the country who have criminal connections.