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Tarnovo Constitution: 138th anniversary

Photo: BGNES

Today marks 138 years since the adoption of the Tarnovo Constitution. On 16 April 1879 the Constituent Assembly in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Central Northern Bulgaria, adopted the first basic law of the Principality of Bulgaria formed after the country’s liberation from Turkish rule in 1878. 

The principle of separation of powers was laid out in the Constitution – the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. It defined the structure and competences of the state bodies – the monarchic institute, parliament, government, as well as the basic rights and obligations of the Bulgarian citizens.

Following a few amendments, the Tarnovo Constitution, a very progressive basic law for its time, remained in place until 1947.




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