Bulgarians' Views on Their Monarchy: The Legacy of Tzar Symeon II

The Bulgarian monarchy, once a symbol of national pride and grandeur, has been marred by political intrigue and personal shortcomings. Currently 87 years old, Tzar Symeon II, the son of the last reigning Bulgarian monarch, Boris III, has left a complex legacy that has both divided and united the nation.

Historical Context

Tzar Symeon II ascended to the throne as a child during the tumultuous years of World War II, reining for three years from 1943 to 1946. His reign was short-lived due to the political upheavals of the time, with regents taking over the monarch's powers. The monarchy faced a significant blow when the royal family was exiled in 1946 as Bulgaria was declared a 'People’s Republic' by the new Communist government.

The Fall of Communism and Post-Communist Bulgaria

After the fall of the Communist regime in 1989-1990, Bulgaria transformed into a normal republic with a functioning parliament. However, the path to democracy was fraught with challenges. The country grappled with corruption and strong Russian influence. Although the transition was marked by significant milestones, such as Bulgaria joining NATO, the road ahead was far from smooth.

Return of the Tzar: Politicizing the Monarchy

In 2001, Tzar Symeon II returned to Bulgaria and founded a political party, participating in legislative elections. Utilizing the lingering nostalgia for his late father, he capitalized on public sentiment and was elected to the parliament. Many expected him to bring about a restoration of the monarchy and even to ban the Socialist party, which was seen as a direct successor to the Communist government. However, his political ambitions did not align with the expectations of the Bulgarian people.

Tzar Symeon II chose to remain a prime minister rather than a constitutional monarch, a move that was widely seen as absurd. His government's policies, especially regarding the restoration of royal property and his appointment of controversial figures like Boyko Borissov, were lambasted by the public. These actions did little to endear him to the Bulgarian people, who perceived him as a political con artist.

Ambivalent Legacy

Despite some positive contributions such as pushing for NATO membership, Tzar Symeon II's actions and behavior were increasingly seen as a liability. His attempt to reassert the monarchy and his alignment with both Western and pro-Russian factions damaged his credibility. The public's perception of the monarchy shifted from one of admiration to one of skepticism and resentment.

Although Tzar Symeon II has managed to garner some credit for supporting both Western alignment and pro-Russian relations, his efforts to restore his family's property and his controversial political moves have soured the public opinion. The restoration of monarchy is now considered a distant and unlikely prospect in Bulgaria.

The Current State and Future of the Monarchy

Even as Tzar Symeon II continues to support various initiatives, such as the return and formal royal burial of the remains of his late grandfather, Tzar Ferdinand, his legacy remains complicated. While he has served both his family and the country to a degree, his actions have irreparably damaged the chances of a monarchist restoration in Bulgaria. The future of the Bulgarian monarchy is thus uncertain, but the public's current stance is unambiguously negative.

Conclusion

Bulgarians' views on their monarchy are shaped by the complex and often controversial legacy of Tzar Symeon II. From his initial hopes to restore the throne to his missteps as a political actor, his journey reflects the challenges of maintaining a monarchy in a modern, democratic context. The public's current sentiment is predominantly against the restoration of the monarchy, leaving a legacy that is both a testament to historical importance and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of politicizing the monarchy.