Political polarization

A recent Gallup survey conducted for the "Referendum" program on BNT has shed light on Bulgarian sentiments regarding the prospect of early elections, revealing a nation deeply divided on the issue.

In a political culture where polarization reigns for no specific ideological reason, very often a political party's policies and personnel choices are determined by its rivals actions and personalities. In recent years, this has brought the extreme right to the center stage of politics.

Despite the daily rise in tension and polarization, we need to be optimistic. But can we hope that after the coming elections things will not be as bad as today's politics predict? Can we look forward not to instability and uncertainty but towards a newfound spirit of consensus, so that the country can make progress? 

In elections, we vote for who will govern us, not for who will not. The parties in power - that is, the parties that do not exhaust their talk in protest and have specific proposals for governance - owe the public a clear explanation. 

The public's anger and outrage caused by the horrific train collision in northern Greece and the subsequent revelations about its causes are the dominant story shaping the election campaigning.

I am under the impression that sometimes Greeks are terrified at the thought of Greece becoming a boring country. We have this irresistible urge for quarrels and divisions, and embarking on adventures that are reminiscent of the past. Alas, in the past 49 years, Greece has become an almost boring European country.

Together with our partners, BIRN is launching a series of online and offline events aimed to amplify the voices of strong and credible individuals and organisations in the region that promote the core values of democracy, such as civic engagement, independent institutions, transparency and rule of law.

Just imagine for a moment that this country is being governed under a system of simple proportional representation. It would be a nightmare.

Nothing is too small or insignificant to go unnoticed in such conditions of tremendous social and psychological pressure. The slightest incident can spark an inordinate amount of anger and reactions. But only citizens have the right to be angry, not political leaders.

The Greece 2021 committee on the bicentennial of the declaration of the Greek War of Independence has undertaken a symbolic, albeit very important task. It is in fact a national task that could help revive the country's image.