Bulgaria aspires entry in the EU. Of all the Balkan countries, they fulfil the requirements of the International Monetary Fund thanks to having maintained a strong state government. In Sofia, at least in the center, the standard of living is going up and one can experience the achievements of the capitalistic world. In the suburbs, for example in the industrial city of Pernik, none of this can be felt.

On the contrary, here unemployment and hopelessness are on the rise. The people are hardworking, accompanied by an unbelievable will to survive. They have kept a positive attitude no matter how difficult the road is.- a road which they have been traveling since the fall of the Communist regime in 1989. They have not lost their self confidence, as we found out sitting with Nikolina, Margarita, Ivan and Milena in their kitchens. "In Bulgaria the world is upside down - everybody does what he doesn't know how to do", says Rumen. He himself started raising livestock a year ago without any subvention, but with a tremendous energy.

This reportage was assigned by the "NZZ Zeitbilder", and was published on 11-12.11.2000
 
© Erika Achermann (Text), Marc Kollmuss(Photos)

For the complete text please contact Erika Achermann: eachermann@bluewin.ch