I have childhood memories from 1980s communist Bulgaria and the following transition. Though never a part of the USSR, it was considered the most loyal satellit

I have childhood memories from 1980s communist Bulgaria and the following transition. Though never a part of the USSR, it was considered the most loyal satellite in the Eastern bloc, especially during the Brezhnev era. Drab, dreary, colourless city life, sure. On the other hand, it was a youth-oriented society with many progressive elements. There was zero street crime and drug usage was practically unheard of. Young people were encouraged to do sports and participate in competitions, or study exact sciences and mathematics, or play musical instruments. Parents never had to worry about whether they can afford child care, or whether their children will be admitted in the right school. There was a common base standard and it was good enough.