On Bulgarian elections

Different factors contributed to the sensational developments. Clearly decisive was a massive popular resentment with unemployment, low wages and widespread corruption. Just a few years ago, Bulgaria tottered on the brink of bankruptcy.

The decisions that Prime Minister Ivan Kostov's government was then forced to carry out cost him and his UDF party the confidence of the voters. But nostalgia and sentiments for the monarchy also played a part.

Many voters regard the 64-year-old Simeon as clean, and free of the remnants of both Communism and post-Communism. They see a chance in his comeback ... Within 800 days the political novice Simeon has promised to create wealth in Bulgaria. Perhaps as prime minister, and maybe in a coalition. The future promises are uncertain. He has promised not to reinstate the monarchy. That is not necessary. The people have already voted to reinstate an enlightened despot in free, democratic elections.

-- Dagens Nyheter, Stockholm, Sweden