However, Bulgarians have increasingly been alienated from politics, because for the first two decades the old Communists, renamed Socialists, and the inexperienced fledgling Democrats alternated in power, without significant improvements in the standard of living of most Bulgarians. As a result of the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, a new generation of Westernized Bulgarians have come of age politically. In 2009, a new party, named Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria, under the leadership of Boyko Borisov assumed power in Sofia. Now, into his third term, he leads a coalition government that faces numerous challenges.
For starters, the coalition government would like to serve out the full four years of its mandate. This would be a historic accomplishment, because before this year, no government has survived for the duration of its electoral term. Having learned from past mistakes and under the leadership of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the coalition partners published a program entitled “Priorities for Governance 2017-2021” that entails a detailed concept of the new government. The 128-page document’s main focus is on the economy and the social sphere. Out of the twenty one chapters eight are devoted to stable and sustainable economic growth, financial stability, zero budget deficit, and improving the standard of living of every Bulgarian. Moreover, the program aims to reduce red tape on businesses, in particular small and medium sized ones, attract foreign investments, and develop existing capital markets.
