NATIONAL REFERENDUM IN REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Abstract

A referendum, which is a form of expressing the will of citizens, plays an important role in democratic state systems. It is a tool that complements the model of representative power that is dominant in many countries, allowing citizens to directly participate in the decision-making process. In this context, the referendum, as a tool that complements the representative form of government, has found its place in the constitutions of many post-communist countries in Europe, including Bulgaria. The article presents an analysis of the national referendums of this Balkan country, taking into account both the historical context and current legal provisions regulating this form of civic participation. The analysis is based on a review of legal provisions and a study of historical examples of referendums in Bulgaria, including those related to political transformations after the communist period. In the context of the current challenges of democracy and public participation, the analysis of national referendums in Bulgaria aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of this form of direct democracy in the Bulgarian political system and the possible implications for the future of citizen participation in the decision-making process.