I think it is about time to put an end to this non-constructive dwelling on the past. The communist regime has been gone for almost 20 years and blaming communism for the serious problems that Bulgaria faces with regards to organized crime is not going to lead anywhere. Not to a good place, anyhow. Consider this contradiction: a) Left-wingers from the old guard usually blame the lack of communists for the flourishing crime, and b) right-wingers blame the communists for the flourishing crime. Now, since a) and b) cannot both be true, either a), b), or both must be false. My vote is for the third alternative: I argue that the communists are neither the cause of nor the solution to the problem. The truth is that no government has been able to deal with these issues over the last two decades; criminals are not known to care about party colours.

Nikolay Angelov, Stockholm, Sweden

Thank you Times for the article, raising the curtain a bit and showing the ugly picture.

The lesson is, a system of governance cannot be imported at random. The West imported the institutions but for 19 years failed to make them function properly. Under the disguise of Liberal Democracy the country was looted and a criminal ruling class took hold of the country. The current situation is not from yesterday as the article acknowledge the fact in passing; in my opinion not emphasised enough. The whole succession of Governments since 1989, from the entire political spectrum, operated (and still operate) in unwritten consensus that members of the establishment are untouchable. No corrupt politician/ shady business figure/ prominent face from the crime world had been subjected to effective investigation and taken before truly independent judiciary. All these years.

All of the above make the Bulgarian system of governance a true cancer, and the remaining of Bulgarian society deeply ill.

Ivaylo Iordanov, Ghent, Belgium

There is no doubt that Bulgaria has a a long way to solve corruption and crime. It is no news for anyone. However, if you compare it to Portugal now, which entered in the EU in 1986, you wouldn't find that many differences. Armed robberies, murders and corruption have been regularly happening. The judicial system is practically dysfunctional - remember the case of Casa Pia and the victims of paedophilia who will never see justice. Last but not least is the huge range of bureaucracy in Portugal. And when it comes to education - Portugal together with Malta are the countries with highest percentage of secondary school drop-outs in the whole EU (Eurostat), facing a crisis in education expressed by the latest massive protest of teachers.

Oh my, your article makes me feel proud to be Bulgarian. Making the calculations... in 20 years Bulgaria might be "slightly" ahead of Portugal, comparing the speed with which the latter is going.

Don't you think so Sr. Barroso?

Emilia Yanakieva, Sofia, Bulgaria

There is no doubt that Bulgaria has a a long way to solve corruption and crime. It is no news for anyone. However, if you compare it to Portugal now, which entered in the EU in 1986, you wouldn't find that many differences. Armed robberies, murders and corruption have been regularly happening. The judicial system is practically dysfunctional - remember the case of Casa Pia and the victims of paedophilia who will never see justice. Last but not least is the huge range of bureaucracy in Portugal. And when it comes to education - Portugal together with Malta are the countries with highest percentage of secondary school drop-outs in the whole EU (Eurostat), facing a crisis in education expressed by the latest massive protest of teachers.

Oh my, your article makes me feel proud to be Bulgarian. Making the calculations... in 20 years Bulgaria might be "slightly" ahead of Portugal, comparing the speed with which the latter is going.

Don't you think so Sr. Barroso?

Emilia Yanakieva, Sofia, Bulgaria

In 2005 when it was clear that Bulgaria is going to join EU, I asked my Belgian boss - "Are these people in Brussels crazy for allowing such a mafia state into the EU?" - and he replied to me - "Do you think that these people know that the situation here is?"

Well, now they probably start to understand what is going on.

Anton B, Sofia,

hi
The Times is right, please Europe save Bulgaria-this poor and unhappy ordinary people

ani, birmingham, uk

The people in Bulgaria have to read Times and watch BBC to understand the true

ani, birmingham, uk

There is no doubt that Bulgaria has a a long way to solve corruption and crime. It is no news for anyone. However, if you compare it to Portugal now, which entered in the EU in 1986, you wouldn't find that many differences. Armed robberies, murders and corruption have been regularly happening. The judicial system is practically dysfunctional - remember the case of Casa Pia and the victims of paedophilia who will never see justice. Last but not least is the huge range of bureaucracy in Portugal. And when it comes to education - Portugal together with Malta are the countries with highest percentage of secondary school drop-outs in the whole EU (Eurostat), facing a crisis in education expressed by the latest massive protest of teachers.

Oh my, your article makes me feel proud to be Bulgarian. Making the calculations... in 20 years Bulgaria might be "slightly" ahead of Portugal, comparing the speed with which the latter is going.

Don't you think so Sr. Barroso?

Emilia Yanakieva, Sofia, Bulgaria

Beyond the borders – a couple facts:
Bulgaria has not got political traditions and politicians. Bulgarian country had not existed almost 500 years. After the Liberation 1878 till 1944 the country cultivated its own elite and its own politicians. What had happened to them – the communistic regime had killed them all. The blossom of the nation had been cutting off. Next 45 years in Bulgaria had not got any politicians – there was a relations between seniors (please, do not asked were they educated at all). At last on 10 of November 1989 the Democracy arrived. Bulgaria finally has opportunity to govern its self and for first time in the last 650 years without any external pressure. But give me a second – who is suppose to do that?
Meanwhile the forlorn upper crust has decided to transform the political power in the economical one. How – it is simple – the Government’s money has been given by Establishment to the trusted friends. Who and why kill Andrey Lukanov (a Bulgarian political figure September 26, 1938 - October 2, 1996). One of the most popular version (in the mass, I have no idea is that has been investigated) is that exactly Mr. lukanov had been the person who had been giving the money in the suitcases. Is that true?
Let’s talk about prominent jobs – all businessmen who had been killed in similar way are well known in the countries hearing as people who have got their primary accumulation from suitcases. Have hey have got a records – does somebody know? I do not. Had Mr.Stoev uncovered something important?
Do these people had to been murdered – definitely NOT! But my country had hit itself 15 years ago and today there is a big bruised.
I am part of Bulgaria. I am in Bulgaria and I know that my motherland is running. It is running to reach Democracy. Bulgaria has to suffer from all children’s illnesses, which the Europe has forgotten already. We are here and we are trying to tide up our country. We give all of us to be part of our European family. May be we still are a black sheep, but I am here and still running…..

Bistra Spasova, Sofia, Bulgaria

Nothing new...as a matter of fact...Actions cause re-actions. The gas deal was re-action to the closed nuclear power station from Brussels as a promise for joining the EU. At the same time, the promise by Brussels was re-opening a new nuclear reactor, however Green parties in the EU Parliament decided to move the power station in other countries.
Bulgaria follows the Italian, not the Russian style mafia; the problems with the waste in Sofia follow precisely the problems with the waste in Neapol/Naples and are being used as polictical maneurs by clever politicians.
Nothing to worry about - these things settle one by one ...with the time...

Robert Pascal, Varna,

Wow, I did not know what is the problem in Bulgaria, until reading the article and those comments here. Well, you choose to live abroad, to escape from the problems of your country, a? The problems seems to be people like you- who are against your own interests and your own folk! You attack Savchev, whitout even tried to fight for the bright future of Bulgaria? Is not this fear, are not you frightened refugees? Well the Germans say: " Wer kämpft kann verlieren,wer nicht kämpft hat schon verloren! "
Thanks!
Lyuben Lyubenov , Sofia, Bulgaria

Lyuben, Sofia, Bulgaria

To all that opponents, trying to prevail upon the dignity of a nation,

You are pretending not to understand what I mean. This is not the case. Neither the defensive rhetoric, nor the eminent historic events. Even though in terms of history Bulgaria did the trade-off step. The first Orthodox country that recognised illegal muslim country due to political unity with the EU "High Gate" - these also were our means of reaching a compromise. And what do we get in return of that, we are not getting paid, but getting laid and even from behind. But you, my dear Europeans, do not seem to understand that, nor to try to help. In the sense of the English spirit of the article I would say "Conscious and Cowardice is the same thing"(guess the author...) I do hope as the times go by you shall one day come to the topic of what unity implies...This is just a tiny interval of the transition of the European Civilization, remeber that Europa was the prettiest but was stolen by Zeus,the Thunderman. Why?

Delyan Savchev, Sofia, Bulgaria

I do not like the comments from 'insiders' - former Bulgarians! Better understand the following: 'Wer kämpft kann verlieren,wer nicht kämpft hat schon verloren!'- Bertold Brecht once said. We have problems here, but as Mr. Wally Right noticed 'Bulgarians are good people and are dead serious about football. I don't see a problem here.' Thanks to the Englishmen for the nice words, and no thanks to the former Bulgarians for their support on our long way from the socialism to democracy! What you did to turn Bulgaria to democratic nice country as it is nowadays? You ran! :)
Many thanks to Savchev as well!
Lyubenov, Lyuben, Sf, Bulgaria

Lyubenov, Lyuben, Sofia, Bulgaria

To all my Bulgarian compatriots: there are so many things you can do to improve the unhealthy state of Bulgarian society- like not voting for the sleazeballs you voted for, bothering to vote at all, protesting, volunteering, giving to charity etc. Instead you try to outdo each other convincing the other readers of The Times about exactly how terrible the situation in Bulgaria really is. The EU, or anyone else for that matter will not sort out the corruption in our homeland- we, Bulgarians, are the only ones who can do it.

Svet Petkov, Cambridge, UK

@Paul Owen: I thought only an American could make such a "salad" of "mean countries"mixing bloody dictatorships with EU members , but they hardly put UK on the map, so they are excused.
And you forgot Cuba, oh but they did make reforms recently, because they can use cell phones and the hotel loos!

ovidiu, Cluj, Rumania

Is this happening in Bulgaria?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,502184,00.html

Ovidius, Cluj, Rumania

Oh, my God - Moscow educated politicians...You said it as you talk about vampires. There is a VERY GOOD education level in Moscow universities and no one there never teached students to kill, to organise mafia and how to get corrupted. Dear Ivan, bulgarian corruption and mafia is your bulgarian and from now , also EU headache. Do not look for a 'hand of Moscow" every time when your domestic minister start to steal money from your pocket

Oleg, Kaliningrad, Russia

Yes, as Elena said Putin's Trojan Horse is in the EU, and until the Bulgarian ex-commies are ruling (the so called Bulgarian "Socialist" Party), things are going to stay this way. I am sad the the right and centre have lost 8 years of arguing and simple-mindedness, and they should blame themselves for the inability to govern. Make no mistake - BSP is the reason for all of this, a party of Moscow-educated politicians that are only capable of governing a country "succesfully" in Lukashenko-style. Just take the prime minister - Stanishev: a Moscow educated historian, Petar Dimitrov, the economic minister - Moscow educated! I hope that the right will rise again in the next elections, otherwise, only God can save Bulgaria: BSP caused 1996-97, and they are on their way of creating an even bigger catastrophe...

Delyan Savchev, apologets will say everything possible and cliches as 'look at yourself first' do not work here. Nor do work historical arguements...

Ivan Tashev, Vancouver, Canada

It's definitely a problem in Bulgaria - the criminals and the politicians partying together but I think this will 1) either fade away albeit slowly or 2) we'll have Italian style life - we have already had a lot of governments for the last 20 years!. Knowing how politics are in other countries - I would be proud neither of the USA or the UK for example - as documented they use torture and are responsible for at least 2 ward in the last 15 years. Washington DC is as problematic a place with dirty games as Sofia. The scale is the difference. Best to all.

Martin, New York, USA

Thank you for this article. In short it shows what's going on in Bulgaria. I don't know if those 'naive', as was said in one of the comments, 'Europeans' would fully understand what they are dealing with, when discussing Bulgaria, its government and its mafia.
It is very obvious, though, for everyone who follows the general news from Bulgaria, that for the last almost 20 years only two very weak attempts have been made by two governments that the country walks away from the communist (will not say 'ex-', because they are still there and functioning at full capacity) KGB modelled 'leaders', who turn out to be the mafia's god fathers. The 150 gang killings and their 'victims' are related to political leaders, to the president himself, to some other VIPs of Bulgarian society. Yes, we've got a president, a proven secret pro-KGB agent, who used to be a very good friend of Milosevitch. Unfortunately, Bulgarians chose him themselves! Be aware, Putin's 'Trojan horse' IS IN EUROPE already.

Elena Troyanska, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

How did they get in to begin with???

Matt, Naples, Italy

Bulgarians are good people and are dead serious about football. I don't see a problem here.

Wally Right, Jersey, Channel I.

The present Bulgarian government is in the hands of mafia. I think the right word for it is "oligarchy". The political authority is protecting the "high bosses" who are now awaiting eagerly for the European funds. We - the normal people of Bulgaria - are on the other side of the barricade!

Christina, Sofia, Bulgaria

I am fed up with people like Savchev (who constantly try to shift the topic and feel victimised by the EU, by the media, by the goverment etc , depending on the topic). Get over yourself and face the truth. As far as bad artcles about Bulgaria go , this I feel is pretty flattering.

I've been following all the developments around the big Home Office / Ministry ot Ineterior scandal over the past weeks and have read articles in Bulgarian media that pretty much revolt me. Not because of the articles but because of the actual events and statements from Bulgarian politicians and officers reported in those articles.

I left Bulgaria in 2005 just as the new allegedly reformist and definitely socilaist goverment came into power. I am now studying and living in the USA and I really despair at what is going on back home.

Funding from the EU aside, I dont ever want to live in a country like that again. This is the biggest problem. But nobody in Goverment obviously cares about that. Thanks.

Alexander Georgiev, Cambridge, MA, USA

Mark, The big difference is that there is a rule of law in the UK. You commit a crime you will probably pay. If you are a Minister involved in criminal activity - you will go to goal if found out and mere suspicion is enough to have you removed from power. Not so in Bulgaria.

Simon Alexander, Sofia, Bulgaria

"In Bulgaria almost any prominent job can get you killed". In London almost any trip out on a Friday night can get you stabbed, kicked in the head or abused for absolutely no reason at all! I've lived in Sofia for one year and feel much safer here than I ever did in London, the assassinations not withstanding. During two years in Tottenham I never saw a policeman at all except during football matches at White Hart Lane. But I DID see fights in the street, mindless hooliganism and neighbours from hell. Same story living in Camden for 10 years. So, believe me, Sofia is infinitely more civilised than London or indeed any other British city. In Sofia you see children playing happily in the street, old people sitting on benches, chatting to each other without fear of mugging. Neighbourhoods are quiet and people respecful. If any country needs urgent action against crime, it's Britain, not Bulgaria!!

Gabriel Hershman, Sofia , Bulgaria

Dear Europeans,

The situation in Bulgaria is indescribable. There is no political alternative for the normal Bulgarians. All parties are direct descendants of the communist party that ruled the country for 45 years, full of ex secret service members. They have no other means except terror, extortion, suppression of free speech. They have been robbing Bulgaria for 20 years already(seems there has been a lot to rob) and now they are laying hands on the EU funds. Please cancel all the funds cos anyway only a small portion of the money, is spent properly.

Boris, Sofia, Bulgaria

I am curious to know in what respects Romania is 'paralysed and - a separate dismal problem'. What is it that Romania is supposed to be doing, that it isn't? Perhaps someone will tell us more in another article.

Let me add: I wonder if the EU understood at the start of the EU entry negotiations just how poverty-stricken this country (where I currently live) is.

Alleagra Studena, Brasov, Romania

You made a mistake when you allowed us to join the Union. Maybe the last events in Bulgaria are shocking for you but we live this life since 1989 so it's not something unusual. Brussels, PLEASE STOP the funds because this is the only way to change something in Bulgaria. Be sure that these money are not going in the hands of the people! They are going in the hands of the politicians and the mafia bosses. Bulgaria is the European Colombia!

Joro, Varna, Bulgaria

Well, I do understand and sympathise to the concerns of the EU 15 member states - "the old Europa". But there is a general and conceptional issue here. The EU knew this situation quite well upon accepting Bulgaria. But what they wanted - I mean France, especially, to shut down our nuclear plant and take over the Balkan Peninsula market. The big powers, to ensure the smuggling of drugs through the ancient, but still of most importance silk road - China - Persia - Arabia - Europa. Now the NATO have established their own country - Kosovo - just 150 miles from Sofia. I daresay, does the regular European citizen know that Kosovo is the biggest hub for weapons and drugs? Does the same citizen know that the heroin from Afghanistan leaves the country with American planes, not camels? And most of the new and old Europa have sent their troops there to help. Please, I beg you intelligent Europeans, do not forget that Europa was founded long ago and since then always being divided, it's the 21st!

Delyan Savchev, Sofia, Bulgaria

What can the EU do about Bulgaria - expel it. It's not fit to be a part of 'the club.' As it is, all they will do is export their criminals to other EU countries - and guess where many will end up ..... yes, here, where we are the softest of soft touches.

Donna Walker, Effingham, Surrey

I can't believe the writer's naivety in saying no other country ..."will get away as lightly as Bulgaria".

The main objectives of EU politicians are to enrich - i.e "Fatty" Bangemann ex-telecomms and Edith Cresson ( who included her dentist) themselves or erect a monument to themselves i.e. be responsible for more members.

They knew how bad these two countries were, but had no backbone to say that the implemented measures were insufficient.

DA, London,

a "probation" period would have helped here...

paulc, gloucester,

Thank you for writing against the Bulgarian Mafia. Our country is ruled by the Mafia and there's nothing we can do - whoever speaks against them either dies or becomes cripple.
20 years ago my father died while trying to oppose one of the main oligarchs - mason and dark communist leader, who stole billions from the country.
Two days ago the last bulgarian writer died while trying to commence an investigation against the mafia leaders.
Nothing has changes for all these years and nothing ever will, unless you - the free and honest journalists of the world - support the efforts of the few brave souls who still dare to oppose them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Rosie Zerkova, Sofia, Bulgaria

Bull's eye!

Mazgalov, Vesselin, Sofia, Bulgaria

As someone who has spent the last 30 years dealing with Bulgaria I have to say that the hipocracy of the EU is breathtaking, since it is an organisation riddled with corruption.

The difference with Bulgaria is that they are just more 'honest' about corruption and about enforcing 'value-for-money from people who take bribes and then fail to deliver the service paid for.

Italy, France, Spain and Portugal are completely corrupt, with the other member-states nearly as bad: do you think that the UK is free of this problem?

We need to take a realistic view and stop condemming one single nation with lots of history and problems to overcome.

mark weakley, hull, uk

Delyan Savchev, Sofia, Bulgaria,

Every country has it's problems. This article is addressing them and it's not as if the Times writes many articles on this subject. It would nice to hear from Bulgarians like yourself explaining the situation. There is no need to feel that you are being attacked.

Many thanks

azuka, Geneva, switzerland

I really wish to see a debate for Europe. Where Europa aims at? We cannot play that game - the bad pupil and the smartest teachers. Why Bulgaria's CO2 emissions should be cut with 36.4% and Germany's with just 12%, given that Germany and the other big industrial countries have literaly polluted the world. Now, why should we(I mean the new Europa - A10 countries) take the share of the burden even more than the big countries. This is not fair enough I think, but I never saw a discussion. I beg all the columnists, why not you ask for that and the previous comment. If you were so objective, you would have done that.
So, please do not write such bad articles for Bulgaria, but first look at the mirror and your own flaws/holes...I daresay. Otherwise, initiate a debate of the values of the new Europa, as this is the case. Please do not forget which were the three big empires that has founded Europe. The Frank Empire, the Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantium Empire(Western Roman Empire). Thanks!

Delyan Savchev, Sofia, Bulgaria

When will bureaucrats and politicians ever learn? Actions not words should be required before states are allowed into organisations such as the EU or are allowed to host the Olympics. Woolly liberal thinking ignores basic human nature. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, China, Burma, North Korea and Zimbabwe will only reform when they are forced to do so. Wishful thinking will accomplish nothing. We or others have the power to force real change in all of these nations but our leaders wring their hands and put off tough decisions. In so doing they consign the people of these benighted nations to more adversity and misery or worse.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

I am bulgarian and I am ashame of this cabinet. They showed that they DO NOT desire these murders to be solved or there to be any reform done.
I

Mare, Absurdistan , ABSURDISTAN