His talents are duely recognized. However, one must also remember that Simeon was NOT elected to power- his party was. Much like the system in the UK, the party then determines who they nomiate for the premiership. At this time, his party is sharing a coalition in which it is loosing the popular consesus. As in all such countries, "fast fixes" are dissapointing and rarely materialize.
Simeon promised "1000 days" and all would be well. So far, the NATO membership is resented, as is the tender for foreign investment on the way to Euro membership. There are other issues that are influencing the sway, a trial in Libya that sentanced several Bulgarian health workers to death- "where is Simeon's foreign influence?"
Property grabs opened up to the same ilk that ruined the south of Spain- Simeons friends. The involvement in Iraq... it goes on.
Bulgaria is indeed a small nation. They like it that way. They also are very xenophobic. This is the first time they have been free of direct foreign intervention in their affairs since the 13th century. They are extremely wary of a new situation where it happens again.
Now, I shall go and read my Bulgarian online papers, it is am there already !