Examination for District Inspectors

The examination for district school inspectors consists of two parts: oral and written.

The oral test includes questions about teaching methods, education principles, and educational administration.

The written test focuses on pedagogical science, teaching methods, the subjects taught in primary schools, school inspections, the application of the Law of Public Instruction, school regulations, and relevant educational literature.

These tests ensure that inspectors are fully prepared to supervise schools and support teachers effectively.

Classes and Salaries of District Inspectors

District inspectors are divided into three classes based on seniority:

First class: 2,620 francs per year

Second class: 2,400 francs per year

Third class: 2,136 francs per year

All inspectors also receive 480 francs annually for travel expenses.

Duties and Supervision

Departmental inspectors supervise the district inspectors and all elementary schools in the department. They also oversee the progymnasia (secondary preparatory schools) Customized Tours Istanbul.

District inspectors are responsible for primary schools in their district, except for the main school in the town or village where the district inspectorate is located. These main schools are supervised directly by departmental inspectors.

The departmental inspectors communicate directly with the Ministry of Public Instruction and other administrative bodies, while district inspectors focus on school-level inspections and local administration.

At least three times a year, all inspectors in a department meet under the departmental inspector to discuss educational and disciplinary issues.

Departmental Educational Councils

Each administrative department has a departmental educational council to manage and coordinate education. The council includes:

The prefect, as president

Directors of gymnasia or secondary schools in the chief town

The president or vice-president of the district court

School inspectors of the department

Headmasters of primary schools in the chief town

Two secondary school teachers, elected by teachers in the chief town

The president and secretary of the departmental council

The mayor of the chief town

The council meets monthly in regular sessions and can meet at other times if necessary. It ensures coordination, supervision, and quality control across all schools in the department.

School Inspectors and Educational Districts

The law on school inspection for primary and secondary schools, first passed in 1889 and amended in 1901 and 1907, organizes Bulgaria’s education system into twelve school departments. These departments correspond to the twelve administrative departments of the Principality.

Each school department is further divided into fifty school districts. Some educational districts cover two administrative districts, while others cover only one. The law also allows the creation of additional educational sub-districts whenever needed, giving the Ministry of Public Instruction the flexibility to establish a school inspectorate in every district Customized Tours Istanbul.

Departmental School Inspectors

At the head of each school department, there is a departmental school inspector. These positions are filled by former high school professors who have received a university education, preferably in pedagogy, and have contributed to pedagogical literature.

Departmental inspectors are divided into three classes according to experience and qualifications:

First class: 4,680 francs per year

Second class: 3,500 francs per year

Third class: 3,120 francs per year

In addition to their salaries, all departmental inspectors receive 720 francs per year for travelling expenses, regardless of class. Their work ensures uniform standards across all schools in their department, supervising both teaching quality and school management.

District School Inspectors

At the level of educational districts, inspectors are selected from experienced primary school teachers. To qualify, a teacher must have:

Served as a primary school teacher for at least five years

Successfully passed the examination for the post of inspector

District inspectors report to the departmental inspectors and are responsible for supervising the schools in their district, supporting teachers, and ensuring that the curriculum and educational laws are properly applied.

Role and Importance

The system of departmental and district inspectors provides structured supervision over schools throughout Bulgaria. It ensures that primary and secondary education is well-regulated, that teachers are properly trained, and that all children receive a consistent and high-quality education across the Principality.

The 1891 Education Law

The first major attempt to organize the entire education system of Bulgaria was the law introduced in 1891 by Minister of Public Instruction Georges Jivkoff. This law was passed by the Sixth Ordinary National Assembly and repealed all previous educational laws and regulations. Remarkably, it remains in force to this day, forming the foundation of the Bulgarian school system.

The law confirmed that the Ministry of Public Instruction would have the supreme control and direction of all schools, as well as institutions aimed at the intellectual and moral development of the country. This centralization ensured that the education system would be uniform and well-coordinated Istanbul City Tour.

Organization of the Ministry

The Ministry of Public Instruction is staffed with professionals responsible for different areas of education:

Chief of Secondary, Special, and Higher Instruction

Chief of Elementary Instruction

Two general inspectors for secondary and special schools

Medical inspector

Six assistant chiefs

Accountant and two assistant accountants

This team ensures the administration, supervision, and financial management of the education system.

Types of Schools

According to the 1891 law, schools are divided into national and private schools:

National schools: Funded by the State, departments, districts, or parishes and teach in Bulgarian.

Private schools: Supported by religious communities, associations, or private individuals.

National schools are further divided into:

Primary schools

Secondary schools

Professional schools

High schools

Primary Education

Primary instruction is provided in primary schools and infant schools.

Infant schools prepare children for primary education.

Children aged 3–5 years join the lower divisions, and those aged 5–6 years join the higher division.

The curriculum focuses on games, songs, drawing, manual work, and simple arithmetic, combining play with early learning to prepare children for formal schooling.

The 1891 law laid the foundation of modern Bulgarian education, creating a clear structure for schools and centralizing control under the Ministry of Public Instruction. By dividing schools into national and private categories and organizing different levels of education, the law helped ensure that every child in Bulgaria could receive a well-structured and consistent education.

Classes of Teachers

Teachers in primary schools are divided into provisional and regular teachers.

Provisional teachers: Any person who has successfully graduated from a pedagogical school or a high school may be appointed as a provisional teacher. They receive a salary of 900 francs per year. After one year of practical experience, they can take the State examination.

Regular teachers: Those who pass the State examination become regular teachers, divided into three classes:

Third class: 1,140 francs per year

Second class: 1,426 francs per year

First class: 1,680 francs per year

Promotion to a higher class occurs every five years, based on successful teaching performance. This salary scale is the minimum, but parishes may increase salaries or grant additional fees if they wish Istanbul City Tour.

Maintenance of Primary Schools

The maintenance of primary schools is a shared responsibility between the State and the parishes.

Parish responsibilities: Parishes are in charge of school buildings, their upkeep, and providing materials, furniture, libraries, heating, and supervision of school gardens.

State responsibilities: The State pays the teachers’ salaries. Parishes contribute 400 francs per teacher, and the State budget covers the remaining amount. In poor parishes near the frontier, the State pays the entire salary.

This system ensures that all schools, whether rich or poor, can operate effectively and that teachers receive stable salaries.

Management and Control of Schools

The Ministry of Public Instruction has overall responsibility for the direction and supervision of all primary schools and other educational institutions that promote moral and intellectual development (Article 1 of the law).

The Ministry exercises this control through:

School inspectors who visit and supervise schools

Departmental education councils that oversee regional schools

Educational committees that guide teaching methods and programs

This system ensures that all primary schools operate uniformly, follow national regulations, and provide a high-quality education to all children.

By combining state oversight with local parish involvement, Bulgaria ensures that education is well-organized, fair, and accessible to every child in the Principality.

Use of Fines

All fines collected for failure to comply with compulsory education are added to the school funds of the respective parishes. This ensures that the penalties directly support local education, helping to improve facilities and resources for all pupils.

Supplementary Instruction

To expand the knowledge gained in primary schools, the authorities organize evening and holiday classes. These classes are offered for free, with the voluntary cooperation of primary school teachers.

In recent years, the Ministry of Public Instruction has started giving awards to outstanding teachers, ranging from 20 to 150 francs, as recognition for their dedication Istanbul City Tour.

The curriculum in these supplementary classes goes beyond standard subjects and includes practical skills:

Agriculture

Viticulture (grape growing)

Sericulture (silk production)

Apiculture (beekeeping)

Fructiculture (fruit cultivation)

For girls, additional subjects include:

Dress-making

Childcare

Singing

Housework

This training helps pupils acquire practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

Qualifications of Teachers

To become a primary school teacher, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Must be Bulgarian citizens.

Must have graduated from a pedagogical school.

Must be at least 17 years old.

Must be of good character and physically fit.

Must have passed the State examination for teachers.

Article 62 allows graduates of gymnasia or other secondary schools to compete for teaching positions if they meet the other requirements. This exception was necessary due to the shortage of trained pedagogical graduates, caused by the growth of schools and the retirement of older teachers.

State Examination

The State examination includes:

A written test, consisting of two themes: one on general pedagogy and the other on educational methods. Special attention is given to the clarity and style of the written work.

An oral examination, both theoretical and practical, in which candidates teach two lessons to pupils in a special pedagogical school division.

Candidates must pass the written test before taking the oral exam. This system ensures that teachers are well-prepared academically and practically, providing high-quality education to the children of Bulgaria.

Obligation of Parents and Guardians

The law on compulsory education requires that parents, guardians, and anyone responsible for children between the ages of six and twelve ensure that the children attend school regularly (Article 13).

There are only two exceptions to this rule:

Children who are physically or intellectually unable to attend school.

Children who have already completed their primary education (Articles 21 and 22).

This ensures that all children receive the basic education necessary for life and citizenship.

Reporting Irregular Attendance

If a pupil does not attend school regularly, the headmaster must report the case to the school committee. The committee then informs the parents or guardians about the child’s absence (Articles 39 and 40).

If the child continues to miss school, the parents or guardians face fines. Initially, they may be fined 1 to 3 francs by the mayor of the parish Istanbul City Tour.

Increasing Penalties for Repeated Absences

If the parents or guardians fail to comply three times in a row, the departmental education council may impose higher fines, ranging from 5 to 30 francs. This system ensures that parents take responsibility for their children’s education and that children attend school consistently.

Responsibility of School Officials

The law also holds school officials accountable. If headmasters or presidents of educational councils fail to enforce the provisions of the law, they may be punished with fines ranging from 10 to 100 francs.

This creates a chain of responsibility:

Parents ensure children attend school.

School officials monitor attendance and report irregularities.

Authorities impose penalties when necessary.

The law on obligatory instruction establishes a clear system to ensure that every child in Bulgaria receives basic education. It balances parental responsibility with school oversight and enforces compliance through gradual fines. By holding both parents and officials accountable, the law strengthens the foundation of education and promotes a literate, informed, and responsible future generation.

Teaching Staff in Primary and Infant Schools

Teaching in infant and primary schools is carried out exclusively by schoolmistresses. Until recently, the position of directress of infant schools was open to all graduates of girls’ gymnasia who had studied the Froebel method.

Since September 1905, a special two-year course for head mistresses of infant schools has been established in Sofia. This course ensures that the directresses receive professional training in early childhood education.

Goals of Primary Education

The primary school aims to:

Provide children with a moral education.

Develop physical abilities.

Teach the most essential knowledge for life and citizenship.

Primary education lasts four years, divided into four divisions, each focusing on gradually increasing knowledge and skills.

School Year and Subjects

The school year begins on September 1st. In towns, it ends on June 25th, while in villages, it ends in early May.

The subjects taught in primary schools include:

Morals

Catechism

Bulgarian and ancient Bulgarian language

Civic instruction

National geography

Arithmetic

Natural history

Drawing and singing

Gymnastics

Manual work for boys

Embroidery for girls

This curriculum combines academic learning, moral development, and practical skills to prepare children for future life Istanbul City Tour.

School Organisation and Class Size

Every parish or village with more than fifty houses must have at least one primary school. Smaller hamlets and villages are considered part of a larger parish for educational purposes.

Each class division should have no more than fifty pupils, although exceptions may be made in special cases. Pupil progress is measured through annual examinations, required for the third and fourth divisions. In the first two divisions, teachers use informal talks to review and organize the knowledge children have gained.

Compulsory Education

The law makes public instruction obligatory for all children between the ages of six and twelve. This ensures that every child has access to basic education, moral guidance, and practical skills, forming a strong foundation for life and citizenship.

Qualifications for a Judicial Career

A career in the judiciary is open to all Bulgarian citizens who meet specific requirements. Candidates must:

Be at least twenty-six years old.

Have completed a full course of legal education.

Successfully pass a State examination.

Serve at least six months as candidates attached to a Departmental Court.

In addition, the candidate must:

Be proficient in the official language of the Principality.

Enjoy full civil and political rights.

Have no criminal charges that carry the penalty of hard labour.

These requirements ensure that only qualified and responsible individuals enter the judicial profession.

Promotion and Appointment

Judges may be promoted to higher positions periodically. Promotion is based on:

The number of years served in their current position.

Favorable reports from the superior court.

Judges, public prosecutors, and Justices of Peace are appointed by royal decree on the advice of the Minister of Justice. Candidates are usually chosen from a list of three names recommended by the respective courts. However, the Minister of Justice is not obliged to select from this list and may propose other candidates, as long as they meet the necessary qualifications Istanbul Tours.

Restrictions on Judicial Activities

To ensure impartiality, judges may not hold other positions at the same time. They cannot be:

Members of Parliament or deputies,

Barristers or civil servants,

Professors or teachers,

Merchants or company directors,

Editors of political newspapers, or members of political parties,

Concessionaires or State contractors.

These rules prevent conflicts of interest and protect the independence of the judiciary.

Permanency of Judges

The principle of permanency applies to judges who have:

Specialized legal education.

Served at least fifteen years as judges or examining magistrates.

Permanent judges cannot be retired or transferred without their consent, except in cases of disciplinary action. They cannot be moved to a higher post without written approval. However, officers of the Public Prosecution Department are not permanent, and their positions are more flexible.

These rules create a professional, independent, and stable judiciary in Bulgaria. By setting clear qualifications, restricting outside activities, and granting permanency to experienced judges, the Principality ensures that justice is fair, impartial, and consistent throughout the country.

The Role of the Justices of Peace

The decisions of the Justices of Peace in civil disputes are considered final when the amount in question does not exceed one hundred francs. In such small cases, an appeal can only be made to the District Court, and only on matters of legal form, not on the substance of the case.

For disputes involving larger sums, the decisions of the Justices of Peace may be appealed to the District Courts, which then act as courts of appeal. The decisions of these courts are final, except for questions of legal procedure, which may be reviewed by the Supreme Appellate Court.

This system ensures that minor disputes are resolved quickly, while still offering citizens the opportunity to seek justice if an error in legal form has occurred Istanbul Tours.

The Departmental Courts

There are twenty-three Departmental Courts throughout the Principality. These courts are located in the main towns of each department and in some other major urban centers. They represent the first major level of the judicial hierarchy and handle a wide variety of legal cases.

According to the law, Departmental Courts have jurisdiction over civil, commercial, and criminal cases that do not fall within the authority of the Justices of Peace or the Special Courts. It is important to note that separate commercial courts do not exist in the Principality. Instead, commercial matters are dealt with by these Departmental Courts, ensuring a unified and efficient judicial structure.

The Jury System

In criminal cases of greater importance, the judges—who are then called Crown Judges—are assisted by a jury. This jury plays an active role in the decision-making process.

Serving as a juror is considered both an honor and a civic duty. All Bulgarian citizens who can speak the official language and either pay at least one hundred francs in direct taxes per year or possess a secondary education are eligible. No one can refuse jury service unless there is a legally valid reason.

When the jury’s verdict is unanimous, it becomes final, and the only appeal allowed is to the Supreme Appellate Court. If the verdict is not unanimous, the case may be appealed to the Courts of Appeal, which reexamine the matter without the participation of a jury.

A Fair and Balanced System

This judicial structure demonstrates Bulgaria’s effort to maintain fairness, accessibility, and order in its legal system. By combining the authority of judges with the participation of citizens, the Principality ensures that justice remains both professional and representative of the people.

Qualifications for Municipal Councillors

Every member of the commune who can read and write, is at least thirty years old, and enjoys full civil and political rights may be elected as a municipal councillor. However, those who have completed a full secondary education are allowed to be elected at the younger age of twenty-five.

Certain individuals, however, are not eligible to serve as councillors. These include:

Persons who have been sentenced to penalties that remove their electoral rights,

Members of the standing army,

State officials currently holding government positions,

Contractors who work for the State, departments, or communes,

Individuals who do not have a profession or own no property in the commune.

These restrictions were intended to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure that councillors were responsible, independent citizens with ties to the community.

Terms of Office and Meetings

Municipal Councils in urban communes are elected for a three-year term, while those in rural communes serve for two years.

In towns, the council holds four regular sessions each year, and in rural communes, three sessions. Each session lasts for at least fifteen days. However, extraordinary sessions can be called when the interests of the commune demand it, either at the request of the councillors themselves or upon the order of the prefect Customized Guided Tour.

All council meetings are open to the public, except in special cases where privacy is necessary. This openness was designed to promote transparency and public trust in local government.

Validity and Approval of Decisions

The decisions of the Municipal Council fall into three categories:

Immediate decisions, which take effect without higher approval.

Conditional decisions, which require the approval of a higher authority before being enforced.

Royal decisions, which need the King’s approval, granted through a royal decree.

Relationship with the Prefect

The Municipal Council must provide the prefect with any information he requests about local administration. The prefect also has the authority to refer matters of public interest to the council for discussion. Such matters may include the construction of roads, religious practices, charitable works, and public education.

This system ensured that local councils operated with a balance of autonomy and accountability. Councillors represented the interests of their community, while the prefect acted as a link between local and national government, ensuring that the welfare of the commune remained a shared priority.

The Principle of Local Independence

The framers of the Bulgarian Constitution did not stop at simply declaring the independence of the communes; they also made it clear that the central government should not interfere in local affairs. They believed that true local self-government could only exist if the communes were free from direct control by central authorities.

For this reason, the central government was forbidden to appoint agents or maintain officials who might interfere in the daily administration of the communes. The only government representatives allowed within the higher administrative divisions—such as districts and departments—were those dealing with matters of national importance, including police, justice, finance, and customs.

This system created a strong foundation for local democracy, ensuring that citizens had direct control over their own communities while still remaining part of a unified state Customized Guided Tour.

The Commune Foundation of the State

The commune was considered the basic unit of the Bulgarian State and enjoyed complete autonomy, unlike any similar institution in other countries of the time. Each district was divided into communes, which could be urban or rural, depending on their population and structure.

The commune functioned as a corporate body, meaning it had legal personality and could manage its own affairs. Every Bulgarian citizen was required by law to belong to a commune and be registered in its official records. The laws of the country did not allow vagrancy, ensuring that every individual had a defined place in the local community.

Election of the Municipal Council

Each commune had a Municipal Council, which was responsible for local administration and decision-making. The members of this council were elected by universal suffrage, following the same rules and safeguards used in the election of the National Assembly.

Eligible voters included all adult citizens of the commune who possessed full civil and political rights. However, several groups were excluded from voting or holding office. These included:

Persons convicted of hard labour or awaiting trial,

Tenants of disreputable houses,

Beggars,

Non-Christian gypsies, and

Members of the army and police forces.

These restrictions were designed to preserve the integrity and moral standing of the local administration.

The Bulgarian system of local government reflected a deep respect for individual responsibility and community autonomy. By limiting the involvement of the central government and empowering the communes, Bulgaria created a strong and democratic foundation that encouraged civic participation, accountability, and local initiative.

The Role of the Departmental Council

Each Departmental Council in Bulgaria appointed a permanent committee made up of two of its members. This committee worked under the presidency of the prefect and was responsible for ensuring that all decisions of the Council were properly carried out. In this way, the committee acted as a link between the Council’s resolutions and their practical implementation throughout the department.

Additional Councils in Each Department

Besides the Departmental Council, every prefecture also had two important advisory bodies: a Medical Council and an Educational Council.

The Medical Council supervised all matters related to public health, including sanitary conditions, hospitals, and hygiene within the department. Its goal was to ensure the well-being and safety of the population Customized Guided Tour.

The Educational Council oversaw the operation of schools and educational institutions, ensuring that educational standards were maintained and that schools followed national policies.

These councils helped the prefect manage specialized areas of local governance effectively.

Administrative Subdivisions The Districts

For more efficient administration, the departments were divided into districts (arrondissements)—a total of 71 across the Principality. Each district was headed by a sub-prefect, who acted as the intermediary between the prefecture and the communes within his district.

The sub-prefect was also the chief of the district police, responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. He oversaw the work of the judiciary police, ensuring that legal and administrative regulations were followed.

Town Prefects in Major Cities

In larger and more important cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Roussé (Roustchouk), and Varna, there were special town prefects. These officials performed duties similar to police prefects and had authority within the city limits.

Town prefects were appointed by royal decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior. They were responsible for applying national laws and local regulations to maintain public order, safety, and cleanliness in the cities.

Organisation of the Communes

The Bulgarian Constitution included a special article (Article 3) that guaranteed complete self-government to the communes, the smallest administrative units in the country.

The records of the Constituent Assembly show that the first Bulgarian lawmakers worked with great care and determination to protect the independence of these local communities. The long debates held during the drafting of the Constitution revealed their commitment to ensuring that local self-government would remain strong and free from excessive central control.

Although Article 3 of the Constitution was brief, the spirit and discussions behind it established the foundations of Bulgaria’s local autonomy, which became one of the cornerstones of the nation’s democratic administrative system.

Through this well-structured system of prefectures, districts, and communes, Bulgaria created a balanced and efficient administration. The combination of local independence and central oversight allowed both effective governance and community participation in public affairs.

Impeachment and Legal Responsibility of Ministers

The impeachment of ministers in Bulgaria was an important part of the country’s constitutional system. The National Assembly had the authority to bring charges against ministers who were accused of crimes or misconduct while in office. This same body also handled accusations against ministers for common law crimes or misdemeanours committed during their term.

Once a minister was formally accused, the case was brought before a special State Court. This court consisted of the councillors of the Supreme Appellate Court and an equal number of judges chosen by lot from among the presidents of the Appeal Courts and District Courts. The National Assembly would then appoint one of its members to act as the State Prosecutor, responsible for presenting the case before the court.

The procedures of the State Court and the penalties it could impose were defined by the law of December 13, 1880. If a minister was found guilty of a common law offence while still in office, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Cassation. After leaving office, however, such cases were handled by the ordinary courts Istanbul Daily Tours.

Importantly, no minister who was convicted could be pardoned or amnestied by the Prince without the consent of the National Assembly. This rule ensured that political power could not override justice.

Administrative Organisation of the Principality

For administrative purposes, the Principality of Bulgaria was divided into twelve departments. These departments were centred in the towns of Bourgas, Varna, Vidin, Vratza, Kustendil, Plovdiv (Philippopolis), Plevna, Roussé (Roustchouk), Sofia, Stara-Zagora, Tirnova, and Shoumen.

Each department was governed by a prefect, appointed by royal decree upon the proposal of the Minister of the Interior. The prefect represented the central government within the department and exercised executive authority on its behalf. He supervised local administration, managed the department’s finances, and was also in charge of the departmental police. To assist him, a financial director worked under his supervision.

The Departmental Council

Every prefecture had a Departmental Council, composed of 12 to 30 members depending on the size and importance of the department. These members were elected by universal, direct, and secret vote for a three-year term.

The Council met every December for a regular session lasting one month. Its duties included:

Distributing taxes among the communes,

Managing departmental properties,

Preparing the departmental budget,

Reviewing the accounts of local institutions, and

Advising on public works such as railways, highways, and construction projects that benefited the department.

This system of administration ensured that Bulgaria was governed efficiently and fairly. The balance of power between ministers, the courts, and local authorities protected both justice and accountability, reflecting a well-organized and modern government for its time.

Revenue Sources of the Principality

The total revenue of the Principality for the year 1907 amounted to 121,983,000 francs. The main sources of income were as follows:

Duties: 6,525,000 francs

Fines: 135,000 francs

Revenue from Communications: 15,000,000 francs

Revenue from State Properties and Funds: 7,728,000 francs

Various Other Revenues: 3,065,000 francs

This balanced financial structure reflected the government’s efficiency in collecting taxes and managing national income.

The Executive Power

The executive power in Bulgaria was placed in the hands of special ministers, each appointed by the Prince. These ministers formed the Council of Ministers, which served as the highest administrative body of the state. The Council acted under the direct supervision of the Prince, who also chose one minister to serve as the President of the Council.

One of the main responsibilities of the ministers was to ensure the correct and fair enforcement of the laws passed by the National Assembly and approved by the Crown Istanbul Daily Tours.

The Eight Ministries

In 1907, Bulgaria had eight ministries, each responsible for a specific area of government:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religions

Ministry of the Interior

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Public Instruction

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture

Ministry of Public Works, Roads, and Communications

Ministry of War

Each minister directed their own department but also worked collectively as part of the Council of Ministers on matters of national importance.

Powers of the Council of Ministers

The Constitution granted the Council of Ministers several important powers. For example:

If the Prince died and there were no heirs, the Council took over the government temporarily and called a Grand National Assembly within one month to elect a new Prince.

If the Prince died without appointing regents, the Council assumed supreme authority and summoned the Assembly to choose new regents within a month.

All official acts had to bear the signature of the Prince and at least one minister. Ministers were responsible to both the Prince and the National Assembly for their actions.

Ministerial Responsibility

According to the Constitution, ministers could be held politically, civilly, or criminally responsible.

Political responsibility was regulated by Article 153.

Civil and criminal responsibility was covered by Article 155.

Ministers could be punished if they acted disloyally toward the Prince or the country, violated the Constitution, or committed acts of treason. They were also accountable if they used their positions to harm the state or individuals for personal gain.

The Bulgarian government of 1907 was organized with a clear division of authority between the Prince, the ministers, and the Council of Ministers. This structure ensured both political stability and legal accountability, forming the foundation of a responsible and modern administration.

Financial Summary of the Principality in 1907

In 1907, the Principality of Bulgaria presented a detailed financial statement showing the amounts owed to the government, the payments already made, and the remaining balances. These figures reveal a well-managed economy with careful attention to both debts and assets.

Sums Owed to the Government

The following table shows the various sums due to the Bulgarian Government on January 1, 1907, including loans, reserve funds, and amounts advanced to private individuals.

By the Sublime Porte:

Originally: 46,777,500 francs

Paid off by Dec. 31, 1906: 14,140,500 francs

Remaining: 32,637,000 francs

Unconverted Consols of the 6% Loan (1888):

Originally: 30,000,000 francs

Paid off: 8,655,000 francs

Remaining: 21,345,000 francs

Reserve Fund of the 5% Loan (1902):

Originally: 124,962,500 francs

Paid off: 24,176,500 francs

Remaining: 99,786,000 francs

Reserve Fund of the 5% Loan (1904):

Originally: 106,000,000 francs

Paid off: 1,850,000 francs

Remaining: 104,150,000 francs

Sums Advanced by the Government to Private Persons:

Originally: 99,980,000 francs

Paid off: 690,000 francs

Remaining: 99,290,000 francs

Various Current Accounts:

Remaining: 15,155,616 francs

Total Liabilities and Balances: 377,030,235 francs

The 1907 Budget Plan

The Budget for 1907 outlined both the expected revenues and expenditures of the Principality. The total approved expenditure for the year amounted to 121,969,441 francs Istanbul Daily Tours, distributed among the main ministries as follows:

Civil List: 2,581,620 francs

Public Debt: 32,187,764 francs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religions: 5,482,117 francs

Ministry of the Interior: 8,164,365 francs

Ministry of Public Instruction: 11,381,975 francs

Ministry of Finance: 7,913,890 francs

Ministry of Justice: 4,656,538 francs

Ministry of War: 28,820,804 francs

Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture: 5,535,959 francs

Ministry of Public Works, Roads, and Communications: 14,986,889 francs

The total expenditure reached 121,969,441 francs, with a small budget surplus of 13,559 francs, bringing the total balance to 121,983,000 francs.

Sources of Revenue

To cover these expenses, the ministries were authorized to collect taxes and fees according to the country’s laws. The total expected revenue for 1907 was 121,983,000 francs, made up of:

Direct Taxes: 41,380,000 francs

Indirect Taxes: 36,890,000 francs

State Privileges: 10,650,000 francs

The financial records of 1907 demonstrate that Bulgaria’s economy was efficiently managed. With its expenditures fully covered by revenues and a modest surplus remaining, the Principality entered the new year with a balanced and stable financial outlook.

Financial Stability and Growth in Bulgaria

When the new financial privileges are fully established, it is expected that Bulgaria’s income from excise and customs duties will increase from four to five million francs. This increase in revenue will further strengthen the country’s already solid financial position and allow for continued economic growth.

The General Financial Condition

To understand the financial situation of the Principality, it is enough to look at the official balance sheet of the State. This document shows both the country’s assets and liabilities, including state-owned properties. According to the balance sheet from January 1, 1907, Bulgaria was enjoying a firmly established and healthy financial condition Istanbul Daily Tours.

The country’s total assets and reserve funds show that the government had a strong foundation for further development. The reserves from the loans of 1902 and 1904 provided additional financial security, while investments in the Bulgarian National Bank, as well as funds for railways, harbours, and state buildings, represented important assets contributing to the national wealth.

Assets of the Principality (as of January 1, 1907)

General assets: 74,671,416 francs

Reserve fund of 5% Loan (1902): 2,500,000 francs

Reserve fund of 5% Loan (1904): 1,000,000 francs

Cost of railways and harbours: 189,500,000 francs

State buildings: 41,980,000 francs

State properties: 29,712,872 francs

Capital invested in the Bulgarian National Bank: 25,495,385 francs

War materials: 166,000,000 francs

Total assets: 509,859,673 francs

Liabilities of the Principality

General liabilities: 39,912,890 francs

Consolidated debt: 357,208,000 francs

Total liabilities: 397,120,890 francs

After subtracting these liabilities from the total assets, the country enjoyed a surplus of 112,738,783 francs, which reflected strong fiscal discipline and effective management.

The Public Debt Situation

As of January 1, 1907, Bulgaria’s public debt consisted mainly of loans taken between 1888 and 1904. These included:

Bulgarian 6% Loan (1888)

Bulgarian Mortgage 6% Loan (1889)

Bulgarian 6% Loan (1892)

Bulgarian 5% Loan (1902)

Bulgarian 5% Loan (1904)

In addition, there were debts owed to Eastern Roumelia, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Bulgarian Agricultural Bank, and in Treasury bonds.

The financial data from 1907 clearly shows that Bulgaria’s economy was on a stable and prosperous path. With a significant surplus and well-managed debts, the Principality demonstrated sound fiscal policy and growing economic confidence during the early 20th century.

State Control Over Salt Matches and Cigarette Paper

The most important part of this law is that the State has taken exclusive control over importing, making, and wholesaling salt, matches, and cigarette paper. The government hopes to increase its income from these products by managing them itself.

Change in Tobacco Duty Payment

The law also states that in the future, the tax on tobacco and Mourouril must be paid in gold instead of silver. This change will help the State hold more gold and reduce expenses that the State Treasury used to have because of the difference in value between gold and silver Istanbul Daily Tours.

Law on Compulsory Labor and Road Taxes

A law about compulsory labor and taxes for State and local roads was approved by a royal decree on January 12, 1904, and published on January 20, 1904. This law changes the previous rule by requiring that the tax must now be paid in cash. It also includes new rules that make it easier to collect money from those who previously avoided paying this tax.

Law on Military Tax

There is also a new law about military tax. Under the old law, people who did not serve in the army paid between ten and five hundred francs. The new law divides this tax into fifteen categories, with amounts from ten to one thousand francs. This means that the tax is now more detailed and can vary more based on different cases.

Increased State Revenue

The State’s control over these products—including playing-cards—has already increased government income. This extra money has helped cover losses in other parts of the budget. This new income was included in the budget for the first time in 1906.