Weary Bulgarians hope ex-bodyguard can clear graft

By Anna Mudeva

SOFIA (Reuters) - Ever since communism collapsed 20 years ago, Bulgarians have been waiting for a savior to rid the country of its plagues: corruption, nepotism and impunity for the powerful of the day.

The return of ex-king Simeon Saxe-Coburg as prime minister between 2001 and 2005 -- the only living person to have borne the title Czar who spent most of his life in exile -- failed to inspire deep change in a society steeped in nihilism and disillusionment.

Joining the European Union in 2007 has also failed to strengthen the rule of law. Nostalgia for the communist past is growing and a survey by Gallup rated Bulgaria among the world's most pessimistic nations along with Zimbabwe, Haiti and Egypt.

Days before the July 5 parliamentary election, hopes are now pinned on a bodyguard-turned-politician with cropped hair, a karate black belt and the epaulettes of a general.

Boiko Borisov, Sofia's straight-talking mayor, has shot to fame on promises to clean up the Balkan country's image and put corrupt officials and crime bosses behind bars. His center-right GERB party is set to win most votes, opinion polls show.

"I'll vote one last time and give Borisov a chance," said Sofia resident Valentina Borisova, 32. "If he fails too, then there is no hope left for Bulgaria. I'll give up."

The question on everyone's mind is whether Borisov -- an ex- bodyguard to late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov and former king Simeon -- is capable and determined enough to confront corruption and the underworld.

The rhetoric of the burly 50-year-old so far suggests he is aware of the risks if Sofia fails to produce results.

"The political class has become so cynical and arrogant," Borisov told Reuters in a March interview, sitting at a table near a photo of himself with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "That is why the European Union is disgusted with us."

BAD IMAGE, BIG RISKS

One sign of the challenges involved is the fact suspected criminals have registered to run for parliament to obtain release from custody, and temporary immunity from prosecution. The president has called on Bulgarians not to vote for them.

Resentment at home and abroad has reached such proportions that only a root-and-branch overhaul to make magistrates, politicians and crime bosses accountable can repair the damage.

Bulgaria is the black sheep of the European Union: Brussels froze millions in aid last year over fraud, and Transparency International rates it the most corrupt EU nation.

"Bulgaria's reputation has suffered so much that only radical measures can clean it up," said Tihomiz Bezlov of Sofia's anti-corruption Center for the Study of Democracy.

For the majority of the 7.6 million population, opinion polls show corruption remains the biggest problem facing the country, topping the economic crisis and recession.