Challenges After the Constitution

The new Bulgarian constitution was like a fragile ship entrusted to inexperienced sailors, navigating through a stormy sea. From the very beginning, it faced numerous internal and external dangers, reflecting the turbulent political climate of the country. Its history is closely tied to the history of Bulgaria during the last quarter of the 19th century.

Suspension of the Constitution

In 1881, following a coup d’état, the constitution was temporarily suspended. The law of July 1–13 granted the Prince extraordinary powers for seven years. Under this law, the Prince could:

Issue decrees with the force of law

Create new institutions

Administer the country without the immediate collaboration of the National Assembly

At the end of the seven years, the Prince was required to call a grand National Assembly to revise the constitution, taking into account the experience gained and the newly established institutions Istanbul Day Tour.

Provisional vs. Final Constitution

Originally, the Russian government intended the constitution to be provisional, to be revised after a few years of practical experience. However, the Constituent Assembly decided to create a permanent constitution. This decision meant that the Organic Statute remained the final legal foundation of Bulgaria, even after temporary suspensions.

Creation of the State Council

Under the law granting the Prince extraordinary powers, the Chamber of Deputies was immediately dissolved. One of the most important tasks of the new regime was to establish a State Council, which shared legislative powers with the Prince. Its composition included:

Eight members elected by the nation

Four members appointed by the Prince

Ministers, who had a consultative voice only

Although the Prince had extraordinary and almost unlimited authority, he promised to consult the representatives of the people whenever the country’s interest required it. This promise was an early step toward balancing autocratic power with popular representation.

The period following the adoption of the constitution was one of political experimentation and adaptation. The temporary suspension of the constitution, the creation of the State Council, and the extraordinary powers of the Prince reflected the challenges of establishing modern governance in a newly independent Bulgaria. Despite these difficulties, the foundations laid during this period helped shape the evolution of Bulgarian political life in the decades to come.