In more than one way, Bulgaria’s European Parliament elections on June 7 are a dry run for the national parliamentary elections on July 5.

The campaigns have been remarkably low-key, suggesting that in most cases the individual parties plan to peak before the national elections, which in case appear to be of more immediate importance to that relatively minor group of the electorate that plans to vote. Predictable themes have emerged in the campaigns, although again they appear to be awaiting sharp focus only in the run-up to the election of a new National Assembly.

European Parliament elections, of course, always include some worthy if somewhat fuzzy statements about visions of the future of Europe, and other issues of continent-wide import; Bulgaria is not alone in at least one party making an issue of whether Turkey should be admitted to the EU, although it is quite likely that the same party – ultra-nationalists Ataka – will continue to harp on this theme in national polls.

Ataka’s behaviour of late brings to light another issue, that of populism and abuse of national memory and symbols for partisan political ends, as evidenced by party leader Volen Siderov’s histrionic behaviour at a state ceremony to commemorate liberation hero Hristo Botev. More of this kind of behaviour may be expected, and with the increasing prominence of far-right sentiment throughout Europe, it will be noteworthy whether parties in Bulgaria ignore wise counsel and choose to fan sparks with the ethnic card.

The economic situation has received less prominence than it deserved in Bulgarian parties’ campaigns for the European Parliament. It may be that this issue is being held in reserve for national elections, or – less likely, but not to be discounted – it may be that parties believe, mistakenly, that the European Parliament has no real role in such matters.
Then there is vote-buying. While in a previous election, one politician in Bulgaria deservedly brought ordure on his head by appearing to suggest that vote-buying is normal practice throughout Europe, it is clear that it is an issue of great importance within Bulgaria. The action taken with the involvement of the State Agency for National Security to bust a vote-buying operation must be applauded, and it is to be hoped that any further instances of this crime are dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, and that this is seen to happen with the greatest possible publicity.

Finally, while in effect the campaigns for the European elections have been dry runs for the national event, it is to be hoped that next time around, the selection of MEPs is handled with the seriousness and energy that it deserves.