Ehrnrooth Government

The cabinet formed on 27 April 1881, headed by General Johan Casimir Ehrnrooth, was formed by supporters of the Knyaz, after the successful coup d'état. The government's goal was to prepare the conditions for the full abolishment of the Tarnovo Constitution and the concentration of all power in the hands of Alexander I of Battenberg. The country was therefore divided into five regions, each led by an extraordinary commissioner.On May 11, 1881, the monarch officially announced his conditions for remaining on the throne: extraordinary powers for seven years and rule by decrees; the budget voted in 1881 to be in effect for 1882 as well; Grand National Assembly to review the constitution based on the newly established institutions and previous experience.^[2]

Just before the convening of the Grand National Assembly, military courts were organized by Alexander's decree to deal with "crimes of the executive and police authorities, having the character of incitement, rebellion, and disobedience to the lawfully established authorities." The severe sentences provided for in the decree paralyzed the administrative and police authorities, as well as the liberal press. Under these conditions, the government and the monarch achieved a complete victory in the 1881 elections for the 2nd Grand National Assembly.^[3] Upon its first session in the city of Svishtov, the few elected members of the Liberal Party were not allowed to attend. The constitution was abolished, the Knyaz's demands were met, and the so-called Regime of Full Powers was introduced in the country. The idea of repealing the constitution was approved by the West and Russia. Its commissioners in Bulgaria became conduits for the Knyaz's policy. The majority of the Bulgarian population opposed the coup and the repeal of the constitution. Alexander's popularity fell sharply, and Russophobic sentiments intensified. Immediately after the Grand National Assembly completed its work, the government of General Casimir Ehrnrooth resigned.^[4][5]