Russia and the other great powers will not recognize Ferdinand as rightful prince of Bulgaria until 1896.

Supporters of Prince Alexander who remain in power use this failure as a weapon against the policies of Ferdinand and Stambolov.

In 1890 a widespread plot against the government is discovered.

As before, the basis of the plot is dissatisfaction with Stambolov's refusal to intercede with the Turks on behalf of Macedonian independence.

In a masterful diplomatic stroke, Stambolov represents the insurrection to the Turks as an example of potential chaos that could be avoided by minor concessions.

Fearing the Balkan instability that would follow an overthrow of Ferdinand, the Turks now cede three major Macedonian dioceses to the Bulgarian exarchate.

Stambolov thus gains solid church support and an overwhelming victory in the 1890 election, which legitimizes his government among all Bulgarian factions and reduces the threat of radical plots.