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Simeon Mitropolitski is a Canadian analyst, of Bulgarian origin, and a former syndicated columnist with the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). He is the author of several hundred articles dealing with hot political and economic topics, both national and international.
He was part of the first group of Bulgarian intellectuals and students that began the opposition movement that finally put an end to the communist regime in this country in 1989, and in 1996-1997 participated in international observation teams during the elections in several Balkan countries - Romania, Albania and Bulgaria.
In 2002 Simeon and his family moved from Bulgaria to Canada where they live now in Montreal, province of Quebec. Simeon is a Master of Political Science from McGill University and a B.A. of Political Science and History.
Global Real Estate Project
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Canada: Political truce until next year judgment day
June 29 election was considered to be a mere formality till last December, legalization of the earlier party coronation of its new leader Paul Martin. United and politically skilful Liberals were expected to win with hands down against disunited and inexperienced opposition. In reality the fight was merciless, with no clear leader during the race and with no clear result until the very last moment. Liberals had to reap the poisoned apples of their former governments. The opposition was more united and much more determined to get in office. Conservative party, made possible after the marriage earlier this year between two former conservative formations, aimed at the highest office in Ottawa. The Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic party aspired to become balancing groups and why not coalition partners to one of the two biggest formations. Bloc Quebecois was ready to support the Conservatives in exchange for more rights for their native French-speaking province Quebec. When the final results went out during the election night, almost everyone enjoyed its new position. Liberals rejoiced from keeping large enough distance from the second player. There was no doubt which party will be called by the Governor General to form new cabinet. Bloc Quebecois won most of the seats in Quebec. New Democrat Party put additional seats in its collection and will be the only left federal party to support the social programs of the new Liberal government. Only the Conservatives missed their main goal. The election showed that the political right in Canada couldn't capture the public mainstream. People are too much attached to their social privileges to be lured by lower taxes, something that makes one of the big differences between most Canadians and most Americans. Canadian Conservatives were forced to swear not to impose restrictions on abortion rights but even this major step back from their ideology wasn't enough to gain the center. They still remain largely representative of western regional distinctiveness rather than a true federal party, able to offer comprehensive political alternative to the Liberals. With less than an absolute majority in the parliament Paul Martin can still govern without making a large coalition. His leverage diminishes on the table with the provincial first ministers. They can try to use their parliament lobbies to make Martin more cooperative in many areas, health care, day care, and other social programs. To strengthen his position Martin needs more than a relative majority, but to call for new election right now will be tantamount to political suicide. Historically Canadian citizens don't like to be called to vote more than once a year. Ideally the new election can be called in the fall of 2005.
June 29, 2004 general election (number of seats): --------------------
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