Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgarian philosopher and politician, 2nd President of Bulgaria (b. 1935)

Zhelyu Mitev Zhelev (Bulgarian: Желю Митев Желев), born on March 3, 1935, and passing away on January 30, 2015, was a towering figure in Bulgarian political history. He is widely recognized as a Bulgarian politician, philosopher, and former dissident whose courage and conviction paved the way for profound democratic transformations in his country. Most notably, Zhelev served as the first non-Communist President of Bulgaria, holding office from 1990 to 1997 during a pivotal period of transition from totalitarian rule to a democratic society.

Zhelev's journey to the presidency was marked by a deep commitment to intellectual freedom and opposition to the communist regime. An academic by profession, he graduated in philosophy from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in 1958. His critical thinking and independent spirit led him to write "Fascism," a philosophical treatise published in 1967. This book, which drew parallels between fascist totalitarianism and certain aspects of communist ideology, was deemed subversive by the authorities and subsequently banned. Zhelev himself was expelled from the Bulgarian Communist Party and exiled from Sofia, facing significant persecution and professional limitations for nearly two decades due to his dissenting views.

The late 1980s saw a surge of democratic movements across Eastern Europe, culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. Bulgaria was no exception, experiencing its own dramatic shift from authoritarianism. Zhelev emerged as one of the most prominent leaders of the 1989 Bulgarian Revolution, a series of events that ultimately ended the 35-year autocratic rule of President Todor Zhivkov, who had been the Communist Party's General Secretary since 1954. Zhelev was instrumental in the formation of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), a broad coalition of opposition groups established on December 7, 1989. The UDF became the leading political force advocating for democratic reforms, human rights, and a market economy in Bulgaria.

His leadership qualities and dissident background positioned him as a natural choice to guide Bulgaria through its nascent democratic phase. Following the momentous parliamentary elections in June 1990 – the first free elections since 1931 – Zhelev, a member of the UDF, was elected as President by the 7th Grand National Assembly on August 1, 1990. This assembly was specifically convened with the crucial task of drafting a new democratic constitution for the country, symbolizing the fundamental break from the communist past and establishing the framework for a new democratic order.

Just two years later, in January 1992, Zhelyu Zhelev solidified his mandate by winning Bulgaria's first direct presidential elections. This victory was a landmark event, signifying a shift in power dynamics where the head of state was no longer chosen solely by the legislature but directly by the will of the Bulgarian people. His presidency was a period of significant challenges, including navigating the complexities of post-communist economic transition, privatization, and the establishment of new democratic institutions amidst social unrest and economic hardship.

As his first full term approached its end, Zhelev sought re-election in 1996. However, he faced an uphill battle within his own party. He ultimately lost the Union of Democratic Forces' nomination after a tough primary race to Petar Stoyanov. This internal party contest was a testament to the maturing democratic processes within Bulgaria's political landscape. Petar Stoyanov subsequently won the presidential election later that year, succeeding Zhelev as the head of state.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zhelyu Zhelev

Who was Zhelyu Zhelev?

Zhelyu Zhelev was a distinguished Bulgarian politician and philosopher, best known as the first democratically elected, non-Communist President of Bulgaria, serving from 1990 to 1997. He played a pivotal role in Bulgaria's transition from communist rule to a multi-party democracy.

What was Zhelyu Zhelev's role in the 1989 Bulgarian Revolution?

He was one of the most prominent leaders and figures of the 1989 revolution, which led to the end of Todor Zhivkov's 35-year communist rule. He was also a co-founder and a key leader of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), the main opposition coalition that spearheaded democratic changes.

How was Zhelyu Zhelev first elected President?

Initially, Zhelyu Zhelev was elected as President by the 7th Grand National Assembly on August 1, 1990. This assembly was specifically tasked with drafting and adopting Bulgaria's new democratic constitution.

When did Bulgaria hold its first direct presidential elections, and who won?

Bulgaria held its first direct presidential elections in January 1992. Zhelyu Zhelev won these elections, consolidating his mandate directly from the Bulgarian people.

Why did Zhelyu Zhelev not seek re-election in 1996?

Zhelyu Zhelev did seek re-election in 1996, but he lost his party's (Union of Democratic Forces) nomination in a competitive primary race to Petar Stoyanov, who subsequently became the UDF's candidate and won the general presidential election.