First Karavelov Government
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
First Petko Karavelov Government | |
|---|---|
 4th Cabinet of Bulgaria | |
 | |
| Date formed | 28 November 1880 |
| Date dissolved | 27 April 1881 |
| People and organisations | |
| Knyaz | Alexander of Battenberg |
| Head of government | Petko Karavelov |
| Member party | Liberal party |
| History | |
| Election | 1880 |
| Legislature term | 2nd National Assembly (23 March 1880 - 18 December 1880) |
| Predecessor | First Dragan Tsankov Government |
| Successor | Ehrnrooth Government |
The First Petko Karavelov Government was the second consecutive government of the Liberal Party and the fourth government to lead the Principality of Bulgaria. It was appointed by Decree No. 735 of November 28, 1880 by Knyaz Alexander I of Battenberg and governed the country until the coup of April 27, 1881, after which Knyaz Battenberg appointed a government led by Casimir Ehrnrooth.[1]
The new government continued the active legislative work of its predecessors. The Law on Bulgarian Citizenship and the Law on Improving the Situation of the Agricultural Population on the Master's and Chiflik Lands have been adopted. The mistakes made in resolving a number of economic problems, as well as the contradictions within the Liberal Party regarding the practice of governance, weakened their political influence in the country. The two branches within the Liberal Party (Moderate and Extreme), finally emerge on the scene.[2]
The rift between the Knyaz and Karavelov's cabinet deepened with regard to domestic policy. A number of necessary state institutions have not yet been created, and inter-party squabbles made the 2nd National Assembly an object of ridicule, with politicians' erratic behavior reinforcing the belief abroad that they are incapable of governing their own country. The judicial administration was corrupt, and roads and bridges were crumbling. Due to the lack of an effective police force, larger armed groups were forming across the country, supposedly for self-defense, but in reality for attacks, often on Turkish villages. The Knyaz was forced to send the Minister of War, Ehrnrooth, to restore order.
In its foreign policy, Karavelov's government fell into international isolation. Bulgarian-Turkish relations have become strained due to the government's attempts to pursue an independent policy. Strong Russian influence in Bulgaria and the unresolved issues with the Ruse-Varna railway line (in which significant English capital was invested) led to Britain supporting the Turkish landowners in resolving the land issue. Taking advantage of the contradictions between the two branches of the Liberal Party and the assassination of Emperor Alexander II in March 1881, Knyaz Alexander I of Battenberg staged a coup d'état in April, dismissing the government and assigning General Casimir Ehrnrooth to form an interim government.[3]
