The impeachment of ministers in Bulgaria was an important part of the country’s constitutional system. The National Assembly had the authority to bring charges against ministers who were accused of crimes or misconduct while in office. This same body also handled accusations against ministers for common law crimes or misdemeanours committed during their term.
Once a minister was formally accused, the case was brought before a special State Court. This court consisted of the councillors of the Supreme Appellate Court and an equal number of judges chosen by lot from among the presidents of the Appeal Courts and District Courts. The National Assembly would then appoint one of its members to act as the State Prosecutor, responsible for presenting the case before the court.
The procedures of the State Court and the penalties it could impose were defined by the law of December 13, 1880. If a minister was found guilty of a common law offence while still in office, the case fell under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Cassation. After leaving office, however, such cases were handled by the ordinary courts Istanbul Daily Tours.
Importantly, no minister who was convicted could be pardoned or amnestied by the Prince without the consent of the National Assembly. This rule ensured that political power could not override justice.
Administrative Organisation of the Principality
For administrative purposes, the Principality of Bulgaria was divided into twelve departments. These departments were centred in the towns of Bourgas, Varna, Vidin, Vratza, Kustendil, Plovdiv (Philippopolis), Plevna, Roussé (Roustchouk), Sofia, Stara-Zagora, Tirnova, and Shoumen.
Each department was governed by a prefect, appointed by royal decree upon the proposal of the Minister of the Interior. The prefect represented the central government within the department and exercised executive authority on its behalf. He supervised local administration, managed the department’s finances, and was also in charge of the departmental police. To assist him, a financial director worked under his supervision.
The Departmental Council
Every prefecture had a Departmental Council, composed of 12 to 30 members depending on the size and importance of the department. These members were elected by universal, direct, and secret vote for a three-year term.
The Council met every December for a regular session lasting one month. Its duties included:
Distributing taxes among the communes,
Managing departmental properties,
Preparing the departmental budget,
Reviewing the accounts of local institutions, and
Advising on public works such as railways, highways, and construction projects that benefited the department.
This system of administration ensured that Bulgaria was governed efficiently and fairly. The balance of power between ministers, the courts, and local authorities protected both justice and accountability, reflecting a well-organized and modern government for its time.