Bulgaria’s Recent History From Communism to the European Union

1949–1954 Change in Leadership

In 1949, Georgi Dimitrov, the longtime communist leader of Bulgaria, died suddenly. He was replaced by Valko Chervenkov, a strict follower of Soviet leader Stalin. Under Chervenkov, political repression was harsh, and many people lived in fear.

1954–1978 Todor Zhivkov’s Rule

In 1954, Chervenkov was replaced by Todor Zhivkov, who stayed loyal to the Soviet Union but eased some political control. Zhivkov allowed a little more freedom for writers and intellectuals. During his time, Bulgaria remained firmly part of the Soviet Bloc Mystical Bulgaria Tours.

However, not everyone agreed with the government. In 1978, a famous Bulgarian dissident named Georgi Markov was killed in London. He was poisoned by an assassin using a special umbrella. This murder shocked the world and showed the harsh methods used against critics.

1980s Growing Tensions

In 1981, Bulgarian secret services were involved in an attempted attack on Pope John Paul II. The details remain controversial but show the extent of Bulgaria’s secret police activities.

In 1984, Zhivkov launched a harsh campaign to force ethnic Turks living in Bulgaria to change their names to Bulgarian ones. This policy caused protests that were violently suppressed by the government. Many ethnic Turks felt oppressed and unsafe.

1989 The Fall of Communism Begins

By 1989, the campaign against the Turks intensified, causing thousands to flee to Turkey. Then, on 10 November 1989, just one day after the Berlin Wall fell, Todor Zhivkov was removed from power by the Bulgarian Communist Party.

In December 1989, anti-communist groups joined forces to create the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS), aiming to bring democratic reforms to Bulgaria.

1990–2001 Political Changes and Economic Struggles

In June 1990, Bulgaria held its first multi-party elections. The communists, now renamed the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), won. But soon, economic problems and political instability weakened their control.

From 1991 to 2001, power shifted back and forth between the BSP and the SDS. The SDS generally managed the economy better, but many Bulgarians remained unhappy because economic growth was slow, and most people did not feel any improvement in their daily lives.

2001–2007 New Leaders and European Integration

In spring 2001, Simeon II, Bulgaria’s former king who had lived in exile in Spain since childhood, returned to politics. He formed the National Movement Simeon II (NDSV) and won a big victory in the elections. However, he struggled to solve the economic problems, and his popularity dropped quickly.

In April 2004, Bulgaria became a member of NATO, marking a big step toward closer ties with the West.

A year later, in April 2005, Bulgaria signed the EU Accession Treaty, officially starting the process to join the European Union.

In August 2005, new elections gave a narrow win to the BSP, with Sergei Stanishev becoming Prime Minister.

In November 2005, Boyko Borisov, known for his tough style, was elected mayor of Sofia, showing the public’s frustration with traditional politicians.

Finally, on 1 January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania officially became members of the European Union, opening a new chapter in the country’s history.

2007 and Beyond New Political Movements

In October 2007, Boyko Borisov founded a new political party called GERB (“Shield”), aiming to appeal to many voters. He also won a second term as mayor of Sofia, showing his growing influence in Bulgarian politics.