Homogeneity or diversity? : bulgarian leftist parties in the 1990's

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), a successor of the Bulgarian Communist Party, retained a dominant position among left-wing political groups in the country. This position of the post-communist party made it increasingly difficult for other leftist groups to emerge on the Bulgarian political scene. The most seccessful attempt to break this monopoly was made by the Bulgarian Euroleft (BEL), established in February 1997. Changes in the BSP's management and the election failure of 1997 made it possible to begin cooperation with other leftist parties, aiming at establishing the New Left coalition. The political treaty signed on 7 January 2001 ended the 100 years of competition between left-wing and centre-left parties and strengthened the position of the BSP as a leader among Bulgarian left-wing parties.