Europeanization and Destabilization of the Bulgarian Party System: Effects on the Professionalization of the Representative Elite

Abstract

Focusing on recent discussions concerning conceptual issues of europeanization,the paper argues that there is a connection between the latter and the destabilization of the Bulgarian party system. In turn, such destabilization is conceptually defined as a major factor hindering the professionalization of the Bulgarian representative elite. The proposed operationalization of the model allows for empirical assessment of these propositions. Statistical analysis applying four regression models demonstrates that the relation between europeanization and destabilization of the party system is not due to chance. Despite of being strong, the relationship between destabilization and deprofessionalization of the representative elite lacks statistical significance. These results imply further inquires of the effects of europeanization on the Bulgarian representative elite.