Information on the current strength and influence of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) [BGR16063.E]

According to a representative of the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (LCHR) in New York, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), in alliance with the Movement for Rights and Freedom (MRF), still forms a majority in the Bulgarian parliament (14 Jan. 1994). The representative also indicated that although the influence of former communists is rising, Bulgaria is unlikely to return to the old communist system with its rigid security apparatus based on repression of dissent (ibid.). However, problems of job discrimination and corruption could recur (ibid.). The representative also stated that former communist officials are resurfacing as capitalists associated with foreign firms interested in doing business in Bulgaria (ibid.). For further information on the current influence of the Bulgarian Socialist Party in government and on its possible return to power, please consult the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to
be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (LCHR), New York. 14 January 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Attachments

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 15 December 1993. "United Communist Party Founded at Unification Congress." (NEXIS)

. 1 December 1993. "Poll Shows People Disenchanted with Politics, BSP More Popular than MRF." (NEXIS)

. 20 November 1993. "Government Survives No-Confidence Motion." (NEXIS)

. 8 November 1993. "Zhelev Reportedly Tells Berov to Resign." (NEXIS)

. 28 September 1993. "BSP Leaders Reject "Recommunization" Charge." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service (IPS). 9 September 1993. Senthil Ratnasabapathy. "Bulgaria: Disgruntled Population Harks Back to Communist Past." (NEXIS)

. 13 May 1993. Criselda Yabes. "Bulgaria: The Road to Democracy Has So Far Been Rough and Rocky." (NEXIS)

The Ottawa Citizen. 28 October 1993. Final Edition. Kitty McKinsey. "Bulgaria: Communists See Power as Possibility." (NEXIS)

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Research Institute. 21 May 1993. RFE/RL Research Report [Munich]. Vol. 2, No. 21. Kjell Engelbrekt. "Bulgaria's Communists: Coming or Going?" pp. 37-41.