Първото българско Велико народно събрание и изборът на княз Александър Батенберг
The First Bulgarian Grand National Assembly and the Selection of a Prince Alexander Battenberg

Summary/Abstract: The First Grand National Assembly of Bulgaria, convened immediately after the passing of the Constitution (April 1879), was entrusted with an important and responsible task: to select a prince, a prince who had to mark the beginning of the new Bulgarian dynasty at that. It is true that the question of the head of state was not fully decided by the Assembly at that time. Of importance was also the opinion of the Western Great Powers, of Russia and Turkey which had to approve the choice. This selection to a considerable extent depended on the good will that these states would show towards the candidate chosen. The national representatives took a very serious view of their task. Although the majority of the national representatives impulsively wanted a Russian subject or at least a representative indicated by Russia to occupy the throne, they soberly assessed the international realities. Not only the representatives but the entire Bulgarian public associated the question of the national unification with the selection of a suitable head of state. A person with authority and influence was, therefore, sought, a man committed to or at least supported by the reigning European dynasties and by Russia. For this reason the Bulgarian candidates were looked upon with mistrust – perhaps they did not lack qualities but they were isolated from the ruling dynasties at the moment, what they needed were experience, tradition and knowledge, and not in the last place – support. The selection of Prince Alexander I Battenberg conformed to the requirements of the Treaty of Berlin (July 1, 1878) and for the time being satisfied the Great Powers and Turkey. For the Bulgarian people that was a step towards the building of the new Bulgarian statehood.

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