Bulgaria’s Symphony of Hope

Evidence from the postcommunist countries shows that the strength of the legislature may be the institutional key to democratic consolidation.

The populist backlash against corruption, the CEE transition-era elites, and the liberal consensus has led to a democratic crisis, but does not portend systemic change.

The successful completion of yet another general election should dispel any residual doubts about Bulgarian democracy. But the election results made clear that the country now faces a new set…