But if the trains are still running in September, the PDS, already the biggest party in some eastern districts, might reap rich rewards for its constructive behaviour.Voters are likely to be especially generous if the popular Gregor Gysi, a former dissident lawyer regarded as one of the best brains in German politics, comes back from retirement to take charge of his party in Berlin.That would set the stage for an emotion-charged duel between the 53-year old Mr Gysi, who has been accused of past Stasi links, and the Social Democrats' new champion, Klaus Wowereit. The dapper 47-year old lawyer opened his challenge by publicly announcing that he was gay. In such a contest, the colourless Mr Diepgen would barely be noticed, and he was widely expected last night to withdraw.. The Bulgarians have had enough. Ever since the collapse of Communism in 1989, they have zigzagged between governments formed by the former Communists ­ now known as Socialists ­ and the anti-Communist United Democratic Front (UDF) Yet neither have brought prosperity The Bulgarians have had enough.

Ever since the collapse of Communism in 1989, they have zigzagged between governments formed by the former Communists ­ now known as Socialists ­ and the anti-Communist United Democratic Front (UDF). Yet neither have brought prosperity. In tomorrow's elections, Bulgarians look set to vote for a quite new party ­ a party led by a king. Simeon Borisov Saxe-Coburgotski may sound like the name of a character in a manic Monty Python sketch, but he is far from manic.Czar Simeon II, the exiled King of Bulgaria who turns 64 today, is a balding, besuited businessman with a neat grey beard who has lived in Spain for decades. After the election he looks set to become the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Hewas crowned the King aged just six in 1943. However, he was thrown out by the Communists only three years later.Royalty has enjoyed a good run for its money in eastern Europe in recent years.

Admittedly, the would-be returnees are usually keen to distance themselves from the high and low-jinks of British royals. Instead, King Juan Carlos of Spain, who played a key role in the restoration of Spanish democracy, is cited as the royal role model. Would-be monarchs have showed up in Albania, Romania and Serbia.Despite some occasional enthusiasm, the attempts to become crowned heads of state once more have been notably unsuccessful: King Leka of Albania lost a referendum on restoring the monarchy, then staged a failed coup before fleeing home to South Africa. Mr Saxe-Coburgotski, who was first able to return to Bulgaria in 1996, has played a cannier game.