The Price Tag of Prevailing at All Cost

Bulgaria is in turmoil with relentless, record-long anti and pro-government protests, a relentless government and Sofia on lockdown by riot squads.

What started in June with a controversial appointment, ended in street battles between police and demonstrators and lawmakers and ministers sneaking through rear entrances, heavily guarded by gendarmerie cordons.

Passions flare; friends become enemies; activists blame each other for being paid. Rulers are accused of holding on to power at all cost in order to pillage the little left.

Such besieged government can hardly function, but major political opponents just announced plans to stage huge partisan rallies - one during the football derby in Sofia. Are we heading to civil war?

Those who say they care about Bulgaria must act responsibly now. Politicians from all colors should set a new election date, empty the streets, and secure a fair vote. The outraged, particularly the youth, should learn through this harrowing experience that democracy and morals in politics require parties, rebuilding, active participation and voting.

Otherwise, we will all pay the huge price tag of constantly toppling governments through protests, self-destruction, instability, shrinking investments, further economic meltdown, emigration, xenophobia, and images of blooded and beaten Bulgarians circling the world.

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