Bulgaria

Bulgaria has been developing extensive public accountability mechanisms, and is a global leader of anticorruption legislation, but those had little influence on the real rules of the game. The country underperforms on judicial autonomy from private interest, with an impunity culture for the ruling class still reigning. Connections and bribes continue to be a main alternative to rights and meritocracy for accessing public services or gaining success in the market. Far too few officials are administratively sanctioned on grounds of corruption.