Bulgaria
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
77 / 100
Free
Nations in Transit
59 / 100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
Multiple parties compete in Bulgaria’s democratic system, and there have been several transfers of power between rival parties in recent decades. The country continues to struggle with issues including political corruption, organized crime, media freedom, and discrimination against ethnic minorities.
Research & Recommendations
Bulgaria
Free
77
100
| PR Political Rights | 32 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 45 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
78
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Multiple parties compete in Bulgaria’s democratic system, with peaceful transfers of power occurring between rival groups, though repeated snap elections have failed to produce stable governing majorities in recent years. While the media sector remains pluralistic, outlets are subject to pressure from political and business interests. Members of minority populations, particularly Roma, and the LGBT+ community face discrimination. Despite funding shortages and other obstacles, civil society organizations remain active and influential.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Bulgaria
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
59
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 58.93 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 4.54 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
58
100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
In 2023, efforts at solving Bulgaria’s political crises met with mixed success, as some issues were addressed while new ones appeared. A government formed by political rivals ended a nearly ten-month stint of back-to-back caretaker cabinets, opening the door to long-delayed reform. Tensions among institutions, as well as the risk of diverging interests within the alliance, tested these plans.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Policy & Advocacy
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
77
/ 100
Free
Nations in Transit Score
59
/ 100
Semi-Consolidated Democracy
Population: 6,465,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
April 4, 2021
Type of Election
Parliamentary
Internet Penetration
66.03%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
76
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
