The framers of the Bulgarian Constitution did not stop at simply declaring the independence of the communes; they also made it clear that the central government should not interfere in local affairs. They believed that true local self-government could only exist if the communes were free from direct control by central authorities.
For this reason, the central government was forbidden to appoint agents or maintain officials who might interfere in the daily administration of the communes. The only government representatives allowed within the higher administrative divisions—such as districts and departments—were those dealing with matters of national importance, including police, justice, finance, and customs.
This system created a strong foundation for local democracy, ensuring that citizens had direct control over their own communities while still remaining part of a unified state Customized Guided Tour.
The Commune Foundation of the State
The commune was considered the basic unit of the Bulgarian State and enjoyed complete autonomy, unlike any similar institution in other countries of the time. Each district was divided into communes, which could be urban or rural, depending on their population and structure.
The commune functioned as a corporate body, meaning it had legal personality and could manage its own affairs. Every Bulgarian citizen was required by law to belong to a commune and be registered in its official records. The laws of the country did not allow vagrancy, ensuring that every individual had a defined place in the local community.
Election of the Municipal Council
Each commune had a Municipal Council, which was responsible for local administration and decision-making. The members of this council were elected by universal suffrage, following the same rules and safeguards used in the election of the National Assembly.
Eligible voters included all adult citizens of the commune who possessed full civil and political rights. However, several groups were excluded from voting or holding office. These included:
Persons convicted of hard labour or awaiting trial,
Tenants of disreputable houses,
Beggars,
Non-Christian gypsies, and
Members of the army and police forces.
These restrictions were designed to preserve the integrity and moral standing of the local administration.
The Bulgarian system of local government reflected a deep respect for individual responsibility and community autonomy. By limiting the involvement of the central government and empowering the communes, Bulgaria created a strong and democratic foundation that encouraged civic participation, accountability, and local initiative.