Limits on Extraordinary Expenditure

One of the most important rules introduced by the new Law of Budgetary Accounts was the restriction on extraordinary credits. In the past, governments often created special funds for exceptional expenses, which placed a heavy burden on the State Budget and damaged financial stability. The new law put an end to this practice.

From that time forward, extraordinary expenditure could not exceed two million francs. Of this amount, one million was charged to the budget of the current year, according to Article 126 of the Constitution, while the other one million was carried over to the budget of the following year. No additional extraordinary credits could be created unless new sources of revenue were identified to cover them. This rule protected the financial health of the State and prevented governments from overspending.

Law on the Collection of Direct Taxes

The second reform was a Law for the Collection of Direct Taxes, which was sanctioned by royal decree on March 14th, 1905 and published in the Official Journal on March 23rd, 1905. This law introduced new measures to ensure the prompt and efficient collection of taxes. It strengthened the ability of the government to collect money owed by citizens, which in turn improved the reliability of State income Istanbul Tours Guide.

Law on Duties for Property Transfers

Another important reform was the Law on Duties for Property Transfers, ratified by Royal Decree No. 57 on January 13th, 1905, and published in the Official Journal on April 4th, 1905. This law created a progressive tax on inherited estates. It also increased the tax on gifts and reduced the number of people who had previously managed to avoid paying duties on personal property. By doing so, it made the tax system fairer and more effective.

Law on Excise and Alcohol Licenses

Finally, a Law on Excise and Licenses for Alcoholic Drinks was passed. It was ratified by royal decree on January 31st, 1905 and published in the Official Journal on the same day. Before this reform, not all alcoholic drinks were taxed, which meant that the State lost a significant amount of revenue. The new law introduced a more stable system of taxation, making sure that all alcoholic beverages were subject to excise duty.

This law also marked the first attempt to place the production and sale of alcohol under strict State control, both for financial reasons and for better regulation of the market.

Together, these financial reforms greatly strengthened the Bulgarian State’s revenue system. By limiting extraordinary spending, improving tax collection, creating fairer property duties, and regulating alcohol sales, the government built a more stable and predictable financial system. These measures ensured that the country’s finances were better protected and more capable of supporting future development.

The Role of the High Court of Accounts

The High Court of Accounts has the important duty of carefully checking the Government’s financial records. It examines every detail of State spending by comparing the budgeted items prepared by the Government with the actual accounts presented by the different departments. This process ensures that public money is used in a proper and lawful way.

After completing its review, the High Court of Accounts prepares a general report. This report is then submitted to the National Assembly, which has the final authority to approve or reject the financial accounts. In this way, financial control is shared between an independent body and the representatives of the people.

Stability of National Finances

Bulgaria’s finances at the start of the 20th century showed growing stability and strength. This progress was possible thanks to several important factors:

Improvements in agriculture and the development of national industries,

A steady increase in the population, which strengthened production and consumption,

Careful financial organisation within the Principality.

These measures made it possible for the country to maintain balanced finances and prepare for future growth.

Revenue Growth

The results of these efforts were clear in the State revenues. In 1905, the revenue reached 127,606,502 francs, which was the highest ever achieved at that time. For comparison, the revenue in 1904 was 119,655,507 francs, in 1903 it was 97,987,346 francs, and in 1902 it was 101,272,234 francs Istanbul Tours Guide.

This steady rise in income was largely due to a series of good harvests, which boosted agriculture, the main sector of the economy. With this higher income, the State was able not only to cover ordinary and extraordinary expenses, but also to strengthen the sinking fund, which reduced national debt.

Important Financial Laws

One of the most significant reforms was the Law of Budgetary Accounts, passed on February 28th, 1904 and applied from February 1st, 1905. This law replaced the earlier one from 1885. Its main purpose was to provide stronger control over State expenditure and to remove the causes that had previously disturbed the balance of the national budget.

By introducing modern financial rules, the government ensured that spending was more efficient, transparent, and accountable to the people’s representatives.

The combination of careful financial oversight, economic growth, and new laws created a period of financial stability in Bulgaria. The achievements of 1905, with record revenues and stronger budget control, marked an important step toward a more modern and reliable financial system for the Principality.

Rules for Contracting State Loans

In Bulgaria, no State loan can be made without the consent of the National Assembly. This ensures that the country does not fall into debt without the approval of the people’s representatives. If the Government believes that borrowing money is absolutely necessary to cover extraordinary expenses while the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly must be called into an extraordinary session immediately.

However, if serious obstacles prevent the immediate convocation of the Assembly, the Prince, with the advice of the Council of Ministers, may authorize a loan. This loan, however, cannot exceed three million francs. Even in this case, the approval of the National Assembly must be obtained in its next session.

Similarly, the Prince has the power to approve an emergency expenditure of up to one million francs for needs not covered in the national budget. This also requires later confirmation by the Assembly. These rules protect the country’s finances from being used without accountability Istanbul Tours Guide.

The Closure of the Budget

At the end of every financial year, the Budget must be closed through a special law passed by the National Assembly. On this occasion, the Minister of Finance presents a detailed financial report to both the National Assembly and the High Court of Accounts. This report describes the overall financial situation of the country during the year and how public funds have been used.

The High Court of Accounts

The High Court of Accounts plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency. It is an independent institution with a semi-judicial character, meaning it has both administrative and judicial powers. Its main duty is to carefully control and supervise State finances.

The Court is composed of a president, six councillors, and many reporters and accountants. These officials review the financial actions of the Government, making sure that everything is legal and correctly managed.

Importantly, the president and councillors are appointed by royal decree, but only after being proposed by the National Assembly. The Assembly alone has the authority to revoke them. This guarantees that the Court remains independent from the executive branch and accountable to the representatives of the people.

These financial safeguards show how Bulgaria’s Constitution sought to prevent misuse of public money. By requiring the approval of the National Assembly for loans and expenditures, and by giving oversight to the High Court of Accounts, the system ensured that the nation’s wealth was managed responsibly and transparently.

The Grand National Assembly

The Grand National Assembly of Bulgaria has the same structure as the ordinary National Assembly. Its members are elected in the same way and represent the people through a system of deputies. The main difference is the number of deputies. In a Grand National Assembly, the number of members is twice as many as in the ordinary Assembly. This means that every 20,000 inhabitants send two deputies instead of one.

The Grand National Assembly is a special body and has the power to decide only on matters for which it has been specifically convened. It is not a permanent institution but is called only in exceptional and important cases.

When the Grand National Assembly is Convened

The Grand National Assembly is called in the following situations:

Territorial Changes – To decide on questions of exchanging or giving away part of the territory of the Principality.

Revision of the Constitution – To make changes or improvements to the Constitution.

Succession to the Throne – To elect a new Prince when the reigning family becomes extinct and there are no descendants who can inherit the throne.

Regency – To appoint regents when the heir to the throne is underage.

Foreign Authority – To authorize the Prince to accept the government of another State, if such a case arises Istanbul Tours Guide.

These duties show that the Grand National Assembly is reserved for major national decisions that affect the future of the country.

The State Budget

Every year, the State Budget must be submitted to the legislative Assembly for approval. The budget is carefully examined chapter by chapter. The Assembly has the power to reject or modify any chapter, but it must always give clear reasons for its decision.

In urgent situations where the National Assembly cannot be convened in time, the previous year’s budget remains in force. However, this is only valid if the Assembly later approves it in its next session. In such cases, the ministers share joint responsibility for the expenditures made.

Importance of These Institutions

Both the Grand National Assembly and the State Budget play a central role in Bulgaria’s governance. The Grand Assembly ensures that the most critical constitutional and territorial matters are decided collectively, while the budget guarantees that public money is spent legally and responsibly. Together, they safeguard both the political stability and the financial order of the country.

Powers of the Ordinary National Assembly

The ordinary National Assembly of Bulgaria has clearly defined powers according to the Constitution. These powers are divided into administrative and legislative functions.

Administrative Powers

The National Assembly manages its own internal affairs. It elects its officers, including a president, two vice-presidents, secretaries, and questors. These officers are responsible for overseeing the proper functioning of the Assembly.

The Assembly also sets its internal regulations and the order of its work. Debates and votes in the Assembly are usually public, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, if a sufficient number of deputies request it, the Assembly may sit behind closed doors to discuss sensitive matters privately.

Legislative Powers

The National Assembly shares legislative authority with the Prince. This means that both the Assembly and the Crown can initiate new laws.

Deputies’ Rights: Every deputy has the right to make propositions and introduce bills, provided they are supported by one-fourth of the members present Istanbul Day Tours.

Amendments: The Assembly may amend bills and propositions introduced by the Government.

Interpellations: Deputies can question individual ministers or the entire Government about their actions or policies. This process, called interpellation, allows the Assembly to hold the executive accountable.

Oversight and Inquiries

The Assembly has the power to appoint commissions of inquiry to investigate the conduct of the Government. It can also submit special addresses to the Prince, usually in response to the Throne Speech, which outlines the state of the country and the Government’s plans.

Through these addresses, deputies can express their opinions and concerns regarding proposed bills, government measures, or the general conduct of the administration. This ensures that the National Assembly plays an active role in guiding public policy and safeguarding the interests of the Bulgarian people.

Verification of Election Results

The National Assembly is responsible for verifying the results of elections. It is the sole authority to judge whether elections have been conducted legally and correctly. The Assembly has the power to confirm or annul the results, ensuring that only proper and lawful elections determine the deputies.

Who Can Vote

All male Bulgarian subjects who have reached the age of majority and enjoy full civil and political rights are allowed to vote. In addition, naturalised foreigners—those who have legally obtained Bulgarian citizenship—also have the right to vote.

Electors must be registered and provided with an electoral card, which is used to cast their vote in secret ballot elections. This system ensures fairness and transparency in the democratic process.

Who Can Be Elected

To be elected as a deputy to the National Assembly, a Bulgarian subject must:

Be at least thirty years old.

Be able to read and write.

Have full civil and political rights, meaning they have not been legally deprived of them.

Naturalised foreigners may also become deputies, but only if they have resided in Bulgaria for at least fifteen years after naturalisation. This period may be reduced to three years by special law Istanbul Day Tours.

A deputy represents every 20,000 inhabitants, and each mandate lasts five years.

Rights and Protections of Deputies

The Constitution guarantees complete freedom of opinion for all deputies. They may express their views and vote according to their conscience, without fear of interference.

Deputies also enjoy personal inviolability:

They cannot be imprisoned for debt five days before the opening of a session or while the session is ongoing.

They cannot be arrested or prosecuted for crimes during the same period, except in cases of the most serious offenses. Even then, their arrest requires the approval of the National Assembly.

These protections ensure that deputies can perform their duties freely and without intimidation, maintaining the integrity of Bulgaria’s parliamentary system.

Voting Process

Voting in Bulgaria is done by secret ballot to protect the privacy of each elector. The ballot-box is locked with three keys: one key remains with the president of the returning bureau, and the other two with the members of the bureau.

Before voting, the elector must show his electoral card, which is checked against the electoral list. The vote, which must be folded in four, is handed to the president, who places it in the ballot-box without opening it.

Role of the Returning Bureau President

The president of the returning bureau has full authority over the police and army forces in the electoral district to maintain order during the polling. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After the polling ends, the president appoints two electors to help verify the results. Candidates and their agents are allowed to observe this process.

Verification of Votes

First, the electoral cards are counted and compared with the marginal notes on the electoral lists. If there is a discrepancy, the electoral lists take priority, and the incident is recorded.

Next, the ballot-box is opened. Votes that are not properly filled are not counted, but they are included in the official records.

The result of the counting is written in a special report, signed by the members of the returning bureau, the verifiers, and the candidates or their agents. This ensures transparency and accountability Istanbul Day Tours.

Reporting and Proclamation of Results

Two copies of the report are made:

First copy – sent to the president of the District Court, along with all ballots, electoral lists, and cards, sealed by the municipality.

Second copy – sent to the sub-prefect.

The District Court, without opening the parcel of ballots, checks the majority required and proclaims the candidates who received the highest number of votes as the deputies.

This system ensures that elections are fair, transparent, and carefully monitored, giving confidence to both electors and candidates in the democratic process.

Election Rules and Protection of Electors

No electors may be called to serve in the military or any other state service during the five days before the election or on the day of polling. Anyone who has already been called must be released immediately. This ensures that every elector is free to vote without interference.

Electoral Cards

Every elector must be provided with an electoral card by the municipality. Without this card, no one can vote.

The Ministry of the Interior sends special cards to all communes.

The communal authorities must fill in each card with the elector’s name, surname, age, and other necessary details.

The card also indicates the election for which it is issued and the voting section where the elector must vote.

These cards must be distributed at least ten days before the election.

Electors who were accidentally omitted can apply to the Justice of Peace, who is authorized to issue replacement electoral cards. The Justice of Peace also writes a report against the defaulting mayor, who can face criminal prosecution Istanbul Day Tours.

Candidate Requirements

Every candidate must have the support of at least twenty electors, and their names must be submitted to the District Court. Candidates may be represented at each polling place by an elector who ensures their interests are respected during the voting process.

Returning Bureau

The returning bureau is responsible for managing the voting process at each polling station. It is composed of:

President – must be a judge.

Four other members – including:

one member of the departmental council,

one mayor,

and two primary school teachers.

Ten days before the election, the Courts of Appeal select the presidents by lot from the Court of Appeal, district courts, and Justices of Peace.

The other members are chosen by the District Court in the same way.

This system ensures that the election process is fair, organized, and transparent, giving all electors the opportunity to vote freely and safely.

National Assembly of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian people participate in the government through the National Assembly, which is composed of deputies elected by the citizens. The National Assembly plays a key role in representing the people and making laws.

There are two types of National Assemblies: the Ordinary National Assembly and the Grand National Assembly.

Ordinary National Assembly

The Ordinary National Assembly meets every year from October 15th to December 15th. In cases of urgent matters or when important questions require quick decisions, the Assembly may be called into an extraordinary session. During these sessions, deputies discuss laws, budgets, and other national issues Istanbul Day Tours.

Election of Deputies

Deputies for the National Assembly are elected according to a special law. The election process is carefully organized to ensure fairness and transparency.

Electoral lists are prepared and published by special commissions of the municipal councils.

Citizens have the right to correct any mistakes or omissions in these lists.

Municipal councils investigate all claims, and their decisions can be appealed to the Justice of Peace or the District Court.

Further appeals can be made to the High Court of Cassation, which has the authority to annul lower court decisions if necessary.

All electoral disputes are exempt from stamp duties, making the process easier and more accessible.

Electoral Districts and Election Dates

For the purpose of elections, the country is divided into special districts. The number and boundaries of these districts are defined by a special law.

The date of the elections is set by a royal decree, which must be published at least one month before the polling day. This ensures that all citizens are informed in advance and have the opportunity to participate.

Role and Importance

Through the National Assembly, the people of Bulgaria exercise their right to influence government decisions. The Assembly represents the voice of the nation, debates laws, and supervises the actions of the executive branch. Both ordinary and extraordinary sessions ensure that the government remains responsive and accountable to its citizens.

Restoration of the Constitution

The absolutist regime established in 1881 did not last the full seven years. On September 6, 1883, the Constitution of Timova was fully restored. Since that date, the constitution has been in continuous force, serving as the legal foundation of Bulgarian governance.

Attempts at Constitutional Revision

There were only two partial revisions of the constitution:

First Attempt (1883) – Shortly after the restoration of constitutional government, there was an effort to introduce changes. However, the attempt failed because the legal conditions and procedures required by the constitution were not fully observed.

Second Attempt (1893) – The second attempt at revision was more successful. The fourth Grand National Assembly of Timova, on May 15, 1893, amended several articles: 6, 38, 59, 86, 114, 115, 125, 126, 139, 141, 144, and 161. These amendments helped update and clarify certain aspects of governance without undermining the overall framework of the constitution Istanbul Day Tour.

Structure of the Bulgarian Constitution

The Bulgarian Constitution contains 169 clauses, organized into 22 chapters, which are further subdivided into sections. The chapters cover the following topics:

Territory of the Principality – defining the land and borders of Bulgaria.

Prerogatives of the Prince – outlining the powers and limits of the monarchy.

Residence of the Prince – specifying the official residence.

Coat of Arms, Seal, and Flag – symbols of national identity.

Succession to the Throne – rules for hereditary succession.

Majority, Regency, and Guardianship – provisions for minority kings and regents.

Accession and Oath – ceremonies and legal formalities for assuming the throne.

Civil List of the Prince – finances and household of the royal family.

Religion – defining the state religion and religious freedoms.

Laws – legislative processes and legal authority.

State Properties – management of national resources.

Citizens of Bulgaria – rights and duties of citizens.

National Representation – structure and role of the legislative body.

Ordinary National Assembly – organization and functioning.

Duties of the National Assembly – legislative responsibilities.

Introducing and Examining Bills – procedures for new laws.

Budget – preparation and approval of the state budget.

State Loans – regulations on borrowing and public debt.

Convocation of the National Assembly – rules for calling meetings.

Grand National Assembly – powers and organization of the special assembly.

Supreme Public Institutions – Council of Ministers and ministries.

Revising or Altering the Constitution – legal procedures for amendments.

The Bulgarian Constitution of 1879 has proven resilient and adaptable, surviving political crises and guiding the Principality through decades of change. Its clear structure and comprehensive coverage of governance, rights, and national symbols ensured the stability and continuity of modern Bulgarian statehood.

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.

Adoption of the Constitution

After careful debate and review, the Constituent Assembly introduced several important alterations to the original draft of the Organic Statute. These changes affected the title of the bill and most of its key provisions. The Assembly chose the new title: “Constitution of the Bulgarian State.”

Key Changes Introduced

Several major reforms were made:

The principle of a State Council was rejected.

The legislative body—the National Assembly—was given the right to initiate laws, increasing its power and independence.

The composition of the Assembly was made uniform. Previously, some members were appointed or included by virtue of their office, and property-based voting requirements applied. These restrictions were abolished, and all members were to be elected by universal suffrage Istanbul Tour Guide.

These changes ensured a more democratic and representative system, giving the Bulgarian people a direct role in choosing their lawmakers.

Passing of the Constitution

The constitution, with these amendments, was formally passed on April 16, 1879. It was countersigned by:

All deputies of the Constituent Assembly

The Imperial Russian Commissary

Ottoman delegates

Representatives of the Great Powers

The limited role of the Ottoman delegates and the Great Powers reflected the fact that, under the Treaty of Berlin, they had already collaborated with the Russian Commissary in preparing the draft. Their abstention also indicated that the mission of the provisional government was practically complete.

Significance and Longevity

The adoption of the constitution marked the beginning of modern Bulgarian governance. Over the next twenty-five years, it survived numerous crises and political challenges, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.

One of its greatest merits is its longevity, which is impressive given the turbulent circumstances in which it was created. Its history shows that a well-crafted constitution, grounded in liberal principles and popular representation, can endure even in difficult times.

The Constitution of the Bulgarian State laid the foundation for modern democracy in Bulgaria. By empowering the National Assembly, abolishing restrictive voting rules, and ensuring universal suffrage, it created a system capable of adapting to future challenges. Its survival and influence over decades reflect the wisdom and foresight of the Constituent Assembly and its leaders.

Examination of the Draft

After the Organic Statute was submitted, it was referred to a committee of fifteen members. Their task was to study the draft carefully and report back to the Constituent Assembly.

The debates that followed the committee’s report revealed that Bulgaria already had capable men who could guide the country’s political future. These discussions were intense and showed a high level of knowledge and understanding of governance.

Influential Figures in the Assembly

The principal speakers in the debates were mostly young men who had recently returned from European universities. They brought with them:

Knowledge of European law and politics.

Personal observations from their stay in European capitals.

Experiences of parliamentary life in countries like France, Belgium, and Serbia.

Unlike the traditional elite, most of these men were elected through popular suffrage, not born into privileged positions. They represented the ideas of civilisation, culture, and liberal values in an Assembly that still included many Turkish rayas Istanbul Tour Guide.

Even at this early stage, political tendencies were emerging that would later divide Bulgaria into distinct political parties.

The Committee’s Proposal

The committee proposed changes that were seen as more conservative than the original draft. Instead of a State Council, the committee suggested creating a Senate.

They also introduced property-based qualifications for voters. Citizenship alone did not give political rights. To vote or to become a member of the Assembly, a person had to meet specific financial requirements, which were especially strict for candidates.

These measures were designed to limit the influence of ordinary citizens and maintain control in the hands of wealthier individuals.

Rejection of the Committee’s Report

The Assembly rejected the committee’s report. Instead, members decided to consider the original Russian draft, discussing it point by point. This approach ensured that the final constitution would be more liberal and representative than the committee’s conservative proposals.

The debates on the draft show that even in its early stages, Bulgaria had politically aware leaders capable of shaping a modern constitutional government. The rejection of restrictive proposals in favor of the Russian draft laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic political system, balancing local traditions with European liberal ideas.

Liberal Changes in the Constitution

The original draft of the Organic Statute gave very few rights to the legislative body. Most of the legislative initiative—the power to propose new laws—was reserved for the Prince and the Government. Members of the National Assembly had little ability to create new laws or influence policy.

The Constituent Assembly played a key role in changing this. Many of the liberal institutions that now form part of the Bulgarian constitution were introduced by members of the Assembly. These changes were significant and gave the legislative body more independence and influence than originally planned.

Composition of the National Assembly

The draft gave the National Assembly more the character of a senate than a popular assembly. Not all members were to be elected by the people. Some were appointed by the Prince, while others were included by virtue of their office: the Exarch, bishops, and presidents of law courts all automatically became members Istanbul Tour Guide.

The State Council was another important institution proposed in the draft. Its responsibilities were:

Advising the Government in preparing bills.

Acting as the supreme administrative court.

Settling disputes between the judiciary and administrative organs.

Authorising extraordinary expenses and communal loans.

Approving expropriations for public utility.

Ensuring the observance of the constitution.

This made the State Council a powerful body, closely linked to the government.

The Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly that reviewed the draft had 231 members. Its composition was as follows:

89 members elected by popular suffrage (one deputy per 10,000 male inhabitants).

21 members appointed by the Imperial Commissary, including 11 Mahommedans.

5 members representing various societies.

11 members representing the clergy: 9 Orthodox, 1 mufti, and 1 rabbi.

105 members were high officials, including presidents of law courts and departmental or municipal councils.

This mix ensured that different social, religious, and administrative groups were represented in the Assembly, giving it more authority and legitimacy.

Thanks to the initiative of the Constituent Assembly, Bulgaria’s constitution became more democratic and balanced than the original draft. The Assembly expanded the powers of legislators, ensured representation of different communities, and strengthened the rule of law. These reforms laid the foundation of modern Bulgarian governance and established a system that could adapt to the needs of a newly independent state.

Challenges During the Transitional Period

After the liberation of Bulgaria, the country entered a transitional period in which old Ottoman structures were replaced by modern European institutions. The Russians, who were in charge of establishing the new government, faced enormous difficulties in carrying out their task.

The main challenge was the ongoing state of war. Russian troops were still fighting to push the Ottoman army southwards, and the local population was often unsettled by the violence and uncertainty. The abolition of the former administration could not happen everywhere at the same time; it had to follow the progress of the Russian army, which advanced slowly and at great cost.

At first, the work of creating a new administration was like a “Tower of Babel.” Officials struggled to coordinate the various parts of the system, which were built from different, incompatible materials. The machinery of government was clumsy and inefficient, and only the efforts of highly skilled administrators kept it running Istanbul Tour Guide.

Preparation of the New Constitution

In addition to managing daily administration, the provisional government had the task of preparing a new constitution for Bulgaria. This task was assigned to the Russian professor Gradovsky, who was assisted by General Domontovitz.

The resulting document, written in Russian and titled the “Organic Statute,” was submitted to the Constituent Assembly at Tărnovo on February 10–22, 1879 by the Commissary-General, Dondoukoff-Korsakoff.

Sources and Influences

Very little is known about the specific sources used by Professor Gradovsky. However, it is clear that he was guided in part by the Treaty of Berlin, which had already defined the basic structure of Bulgaria’s government.

In addition, Gradovsky was strongly influenced by the Serbian and Belgian constitutions, which were examples of modern European governance at the time. He also drew inspiration from Russian communal institutions, particularly in giving autonomy to local communes. This allowed local communities to manage their own affairs within the broader framework of the new Principality.

The transitional period in Bulgaria was marked by chaos, war, and administrative challenges. Despite these difficulties, the Russians laid the foundations for a modern civil government. The preparation of the Organic Statute combined international guidance with local traditions and set the stage for Bulgaria’s first independent constitutional government.

Religious and Minority Courts

Separate Tribunals for Different Faiths

Under the new administrative system in Bulgaria after 1878, different religious communities were allowed to have their own tribunals. This included the Orthodox Christians, Mahommedans (Muslims), and Jews. Each of these groups could settle certain civil matters according to their own traditions.

The idea was to respect the diverse customs and traditions of the population while introducing a modern system of justice. However, plans to create commercial courts in major trade centers were never fully implemented.

Military Courts

The military courts continued to function as they had since the proclamation of July 1, 1877. Their jurisdiction and procedures were maintained, ensuring that military matters were handled separately from civil cases Istanbul Tour Guide.

Tolerance Towards the Mahommedans

The new government showed great tolerance toward the Mahommedans, who had recently been the ruling class under Ottoman rule. Several measures made this tolerance clear:

The official language of the courts was Bulgarian or Russian, which the Turkish population often could not understand.

The courts were instructed to respect local and national customs until new laws could be prepared.

These policies were designed to show that the new regime was different from the previous Ottoman system, which had been strict and intolerant toward the Christian population.

Special Turkish Civil Courts

To implement these principles, the Provisional Rules allowed the creation of special Turkish civil courts. These courts were distinct from the traditional religious courts that the Mahommedans had under Ottoman rule.

The Mahommedan courts had the same jurisdiction as the ordinary courts when both parties in a case were Muslims.

If the parties were of different nationalities, the case was heard jointly by the Mahommedan court and the ordinary court. The oldest member of the courts would act as the presiding judge.

This system ensured that justice respected both national and religious diversity, while gradually introducing the population to the new civil procedures of the Principality.

The creation of religious and minority courts was a key feature of early post-liberation Bulgaria. It allowed communities to maintain their traditions while ensuring fairness in civil matters. By combining Councils of Elders, ordinary courts, and special Mahommedan tribunals, the Provisional Rules created a flexible and inclusive system of justice that recognized the diverse population of the Principality.

The Appointment of Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff

After the Treaty of San Stefano, Russia was responsible for organising the civil government of Bulgaria. The choice fell on Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff, who was appointed as Commissary-General. Originally, he was given two years to complete this important task. However, the Treaty of Berlin (1878) shortened this period to only nine months, making his work much more difficult.

The First Administrative Council

To begin his mission, Korsakoff established an administrative council, which can be considered the first form of civil government in Bulgaria after the war. This council consisted of six members, each in charge of an important department:

Commissary’s chancery and diplomatic correspondence

Military affairs

Interior administration

Justice

Finance

Public instruction and religions

This was a significant step forward, as it gave Bulgaria its first organised governing body in modern times.

Division of Northern and Southern Bulgaria

For practical purposes, Northern Bulgaria was provisionally divided into sixteen departments, which were further subdivided into thirty-two districts Istanbul Daily Tour.

Southern Bulgaria, however, was treated differently. Known as Eastern Roumelia, it was given a special status under the Treaty of Berlin and placed under a separate administrative arrangement.

Judicial Reforms and the Provisional Rules

One of the most important achievements during this period was the reform of the judiciary system. The chief of the judiciary section, Lucanoff, created a commission to prepare regulations for justice. The result of their work was the document called “Provisional Rules for the Organisation of Justice in Bulgaria.”

These rules were officially proclaimed at Plovdiv on August 24, 1878. They introduced a completely new system of justice, replacing the old Ottoman institutions, most of which existed only in name.

Structure of the New Judiciary

Under the new rules, justice was placed in the hands of Councils of Elders and various courts.

Councils of Elders were created in every commune, giving local communities a voice in justice and administration.

Ordinary courts included district courts and departmental courts, the latter acting as courts of appeal.

Exceptional jurisdictions were also recognised. These included administrative, military, religious, and Mahommedan courts, each with specific responsibilities.

The work of Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff and his council laid the foundations of Bulgaria’s modern administration and judiciary system. Although his time was limited by the Treaty of Berlin, the establishment of councils, departments, and new courts marked a decisive break from the Ottoman past and gave Bulgaria the framework for its future as an independent principality.

The Condition of Turkish Provinces

The description given earlier about the political and social life of the Ottoman provinces remained true even in the late nineteenth century. Many regions, and especially Macedonia, continued to show the same lack of modern administration, weak institutions, and simple rural life.

This was also the state in which the Russians found Bulgaria in 1877, during the Russo-Turkish War. The country had no proper system of administration, and most of the Ottoman structures that existed were inefficient and outdated.

The Arrival of the Russians in 1877

As soon as the Russian army crossed the Danube River, their leaders began to think about how to create a better system of administration for the Bulgarian lands. The Russians did not see their role only as liberators from Ottoman control but also as organisers of a new civil structure.

On this subject, there exists an important report prepared by the Russian Imperial Commissary in Bulgaria. This report was later read before the Constituent Assembly at Tărnovo, where the foundations of modern Bulgaria were discussed Istanbul Daily Tour.

A Special Administrative Commission

The reorganisation of Bulgaria was not left to chance. The task was entrusted to a special commission that accompanied the Russian troops. This commission was placed under the direct authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armies.

As early as July 7, 1877, the Imperial Commissary presented to the Commander-in-Chief a scheme for the civil organisation of the Bulgarian provinces. The sandjaks (large districts) and kazas (smaller districts) were to be governed under this new plan. At the same time, the governors were instructed to keep in operation the few institutions that had survived from Ottoman rule.

Difficulties During the War

However, in the turmoil of war, this project of reform was often forgotten or delayed. The task of rebuilding and reorganising an entire country while battles were still being fought proved extremely difficult. The results achieved at first were limited and not very encouraging.

For this reason, it was impossible to speak of a complete administrative organisation before the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878.

The Treaty of San Stefano and Russian Role

According to one of the clauses of this treaty, Russia appointed a Commissary-General. His official mission was to create and supervise the civil government of Bulgaria. This marked the true beginning of Bulgaria’s modern administrative structure.

The Russian intervention in 1877–1878 was not only a military campaign but also the starting point for a new political and administrative order in Bulgaria. While the process was difficult during wartime, the Treaty of San Stefano gave Russia the authority to lay the foundations of a civil government, which later shaped the future Principality of Bulgaria.