Proposed Administrative Reforms for Bulgaria

The plan presented by the Powers aimed to organize Bulgaria into a modern and fair administrative system. The main idea was to settle Christians and Muslims together in the districts in a balanced way, according to the population.

Local Administration

Each district was to have a mayor and a district council, both elected by universal suffrage. These councils would manage all local affairs independently, giving people control over their own communities.

Several districts would then form a Sandjak, headed by a prefect (mutesarif). The prefect would be either Christian or Muslim, depending on which religion was the majority in the Sandjak. The Governor-General would propose the prefect, and the Sultan (the Porte) would officially appoint him for four years Guided Tours Turkey.

Provincial Government

Two Sandjaks would form a province, governed by a Christian Governor-General. This Governor-General would be appointed by the Sultan for five years, but only with the consent of the Powers. The Governor-General would work with a provincial assembly, whose members were chosen by the district councils. Representation was set at one deputy for every 30,000 to 40,000 inhabitants.

The provincial assembly would also select a ten-member administrative council. Every year, the assembly would meet to decide the budget and redistribute taxes, ensuring financial transparency and local participation.

Military and Language

The armed forces were to be concentrated in towns, while local militias would maintain order in the districts. The language of the majority nationality would be used in administration, alongside Turkish for official purposes.

International Oversight

To ensure that the reforms were carried out properly, a Commission of International Control would supervise the implementation. This commission would guarantee fairness and protect the rights of all communities.

Importance of the Plan

Although this plan was not fully implemented, it showed the Powers’ intention to modernize Bulgaria. It aimed to give the people self-government, religious equality, and protection, setting the foundation for the future Bulgarian Principality.