From Feudalism to Oligarchy: The Historical Roots of the Extractive Economy and the Battle for Bulgaria

The film provides a historical overview of oppressive economic models from the Middle Ages to modern Bulgaria, describing the destructive influence of the oligarchy and the rise of civil resistance through the "Historical Park" project.

The Origins of the Extractive System and the Rift Between East and West

The roots of the Soviet economic system lie deep in the Middle Ages, when feudalism dominated Europe. This system is of an extractive type, as it is structured to squeeze wealth from the vast mass of poor and serfs in order to concentrate it in the hands of a narrow elite of nobles and kings. Such an economy relies on oppressive political power that has no interest in change.

However, the plague in 1346 caused a sharp shortage of labor, leading to a drastic divergence in the development of Western and Eastern Europe.

The Russian Empire became the ultimate embodiment of the Eastern model. The ruling elite there experienced a panic-induced fear of so-called "creative destruction," where new technologies strip old monopolists of their wealth and create a capable middle class. As a result, the state remained a monstrously backward, poor infrastructure deprived of basic freedoms.

The Transition in Bulgaria: Survival of the Extractive Model

This extractive system did not disappear with the collapse of the Soviet Union but simply changed its facade in countries like Bulgaria. Following the fall of socialism in 1989, the old ruling establishment retained power and resources to guarantee its own survival. To distribute its influence, the elite created numerous parties, starting with the BSP and the SDS.

Devoid of creative ideas and unable to withstand real competition, the new rulers began systematically destroying anyone who showed creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. They plundered the country through several primary mechanisms:

• Takeover of Key Sectors: Transport, pension funds, hospitals, media, and agricultural land fell under the complete control of the oligarchy.
• Bank Bankruptcies: The population's savings were wiped out through deliberate crises in 1996–1997 (with the collapse of dozens of institutions like First Private Bank and Agrobusiness Bank) and in 2014 with the bankruptcy of KTB.
• Destruction of Tourism: Emblematic resorts like Bansko, Sunny Beach, Borovets, Nessebar, and Varna were seized by tight circles. Free business was pushed out, and entrepreneurship was replaced with concrete and schemes.

Repression and the Inception of Civil Resistance

To maintain the status quo, the elite appointed corrupt individuals to all important state positions and blocked the nation's development. The state machine was transformed into an instrument of repression, through which capable people were crushed by the media, imprisoned, or forced into exile abroad.

This grim trend met resistance with the appearance of "Historical Park". Built by ordinary people yearning for prosperity, the project managed to transform an entire municipality. It became a creative force generating a new, independent middle layer of citizens capable of challenging the vicious system. It is precisely this potential that triggered the fierce resistance of the extractive elite, which launched a 7-year war against the park's creators.

In response to the unprecedented institutional pressure, the united citizens created the "Velichie" party, whose primary goal is to fight for the country's free future. The clash between the forces of modern feudalism and the drive toward development continues, and its outcome will determine whether Bulgaria will manage to move forward.