Oligarchic Policies in Bulgaria and Their Public Legitimation Cover Image

Олигархични политики в България и тяхното публично легитимиране
Oligarchic Policies in Bulgaria and Their Public Legitimation

Author(s): Ivka Tsakova
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Political Theory, Political economy, Politics and law, Politics and society
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Bulgarian transition; politics of oligarchy; oligarchic policies; neoliberalism

Summary/Abstract: The content of the article refers to the period of “transition to a market economy and liberal democracy” in Bulgaria after 1989 and the unfolding oligarchization of politics under neoliberal capitalism. The problem posed in the title is clarified by applying the critical method derived from critical social theories (A. Gramsci, C. Crouch, D. Harvey, etc.). Based on working definitions of oligarchic power and oligarchic politics/policies, three ways for public legitimization of oligarchic policies in Bulgaria are outlined: a) redirection of public attention from interests to values; b) reaching a neoliberal consensus in the state, parties and civil society; c) oligarchic capture of the media through neoliberal propaganda.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 87-99
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Bulgarian