Dimitrov Constitution
The Dimitrov Constitution was the second Constitution of Bulgaria, in effect from 1947 to 1971.[1] It formed the legal basis for Communist rule in Bulgaria.[2]
Georgi Dimitrov, after whom the document is named, guided the framing of the 1947 constitution on the model of the 1936 Soviet Constitution.[3] The Dimitrov Constitution guaranteed citizens equality before the law; freedom from discrimination; a universal welfare system; freedom of speech, the press, and assembly; and inviolability of person, domicile, and correspondence.[3] But those rights were qualified by a clause prohibiting activity that would jeopardize the attainments of "the national revolution of 9 September 1944."[3] Citizens were guaranteed employment but required to work in a socially useful capacity.[3] The constitution also prescribed a planned national economy.[3] Private property was allowed, if its possession was not "to the detriment of the public good."[3]
References
- ^ Konstantinov, Emil. Constitutional Foundation of Bulgaria (Historical Parallels) Archived 2016-04-01 at the Wayback Machine. Rigas Network, 2002.
- ^ Bulgaria: The early Communist era at Encyclopedia Britannica
- ^ a b c d e f This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Glenn E. Curtis (June 1992). "The Dimitrov Constitution". In Curtis, Glenn E. (ed.). Bulgaria: a country study. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. LCCN 93010955.