Why have Romania and Bulgaria experienced the least success of all the eastern European states in adapting to the postcommunist political world?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Both Romania and Bulgaria have failed to adopt any significant or lasting democratic features. They did hold elections with multiple parties, but these were essentially rigged, led by old communist party activists who were interested in protecting narrow interests. There has been significant political corruption in the electoral process, and there is little in the way of checks and balances. The judges who are supposed to ensure compliance are corrupt and protect the local legislators, who in turn protect the local law enforcement forces, and the whole circle ends up looking after their own respective interests. Romania saw the election after the deposition of of Ion Iliescu. Romania's biggest problem is lack of government support through the 1990s for promoting a new economic reality, privatization, or modernization. Business opportunities were apportioned through political connections and outright thievery. As a result, there was very little foreign investment, and Romania has failed to prosper economically. Bulgaria has also dealt with corrupt politics, has had fewer issues with nationalism, and is relatively free of the criminal element that has dominated Russia and Romania. It is in a moderately better position than Romania, but it has still failed to achieve its potential.