That the Gypsies are active in the black market and prostitution and have a disproportionally high crime rate perpetuates this stereotype. However, also as elsewhere, the poor economic status of the Roma which is partially due to these prejudices is to a great extent responsible for this high crime rate. Thus, the stereotype is self-perpetuating. The Bulgarian Communist government fell. Reformed Communists won the national elections.
International observers report that while the election was valid, intimidation played a role.
Local party officials threatened Gypsies, conscripts, the elderly and others with a loss of pensions, apartments or jobs if they did not vote socialist. There were also reports of vote-selling by Gypsies. The Democratic Roma Union, an organization which defends the social, cultural and political rights of Gypsies, was denied recognition as a political party. The Supreme Court upheld the decision. A man identified as a Gypsy threw a home-made bomb into a crowded bus in central Bulgaria.