Georgi Parvanov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgi Parvanov
|
|
|---|---|
|
Георги Първанов
|
|
Parvanov in 2008
|
|
| 3rd President of Bulgaria | |
| In office 22 January 2002 – 22 January 2012 |
|
| Prime Minister |
|
| Vice President | Angel Marin |
| Preceded by | Petar Stoyanov |
| Succeeded by | Rosen Plevneliev |
| Leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party | |
| In office 21 December 1996 – 5 December 2001 |
|
| Preceded by | Zhan Videnov |
| Succeeded by | Sergey Stanishev |
| Member of the National Assembly | |
| In office 12 January 1995 – 29 November 2001 |
|
| Constituency | 2nd MMC - Burgas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 June 1957 Sirishtnik, Bulgaria |
| Political party | Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (2014–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
|
| Spouse |
Zorka Parvanova
(m. 1983) |
| Children | Vladimir, Ivaylo |
| Alma mater | Sofia University |
| Awards | Order of the Southern Cross |
| Signature |  |
Georgi Sedefchov Parvanov (Bulgarian: Георги Седефчов Първанов) was the President of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2012. He was born on June 28, 1957. Before becoming president, he was a historian and a politician.
He won the presidential election in November 2001. He took office on January 22, 2002. In 2006, he was re-elected, becoming the first Bulgarian president to serve two terms. Parvanov strongly supported Bulgaria joining NATO and the European Union.
In Bulgaria, a president cannot be a member of a political party. So, Parvanov left the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) after his election in 2001. Even though he was a socialist, he often called himself a 'social president'.
After his second term ended, Parvanov returned to the Socialist Party. Later, in 2014, he started a new political project called Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (ABV).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Georgi Parvanov was born in Sirishtnik, a town in Pernik Province, Bulgaria, on June 28, 1957. He grew up in a nearby village called Kosacha. In 1975, he finished high school in Pernik.
He then went to Sofia University. In 1981, he earned a degree in history. His special focus was on the history of the Bulgarian Communist Party. In 1988, he completed his PhD in history. His doctoral paper was about a historical figure named Dimitar Blagoev.
Professional Career
Parvanov started working as a researcher in 1981. He joined the Institute for History of the Bulgarian Communist Party. He was very interested in Bulgaria's national issues. He also studied the early history of social democracy in Bulgaria. In 1989, he became a senior researcher.
Political Journey
Starting in Politics
Georgi Parvanov joined the Bulgarian Communist Party in 1981. In 1990, this party changed its name to the Bulgarian Socialist Party. In 1989, Parvanov helped create a group called the "Nationwide Committee for the Defense of National Interests."
In 1994, he became the Deputy Chairman of the BSP's national council. That same year, he was elected to the National Assembly, which is Bulgaria's parliament. He was re-elected in 1997 and 2001. From 1994 to 1997, he also led the parliamentary group that worked on friendship with Greece.
Leading the Socialist Party
In December 1996, the Prime Minister and leader of the BSP, Zhan Videnov, resigned. This happened because of a big financial crisis. Georgi Parvanov was chosen to be the new leader of the party.
However, there were large protests against the socialist government in January 1997. Because of this, Parvanov and the person chosen to be Prime Minister decided not to form a new government. In the special elections that followed, the Socialist Party lost power.
In 2000, Parvanov was re-elected as the Chairman of the BSP. He is known for changing the party's views on international relations. This helped Bulgaria join NATO in 2004. In the 2001 parliamentary elections, his party did not perform well.
Becoming President in 2001
In the first round of the 2001 Bulgarian presidential election, Parvanov received 36.4% of the votes. He was ahead of the current president, Petar Stoyanov, who got 34.9%. In the second round, Parvanov won with 54.1% of the votes.
After his victory, Sergei Stanishev took over as the leader of the Socialist Party. Parvanov became president on January 22, 2002. He was the first former Communist to become president since 1990.
Re-election in 2006
In 2006, Georgi Parvanov ran for president again. He was supported by the ruling government, which had won many seats in parliament the year before. He won the first round on October 22 with 64% of the votes.
Because less than 50% of people voted in the first round, he had to face another candidate, Volen Siderov, in a second round. Parvanov won the second round with 76% of the votes. This made him the first president in Bulgaria to be re-elected for a second term.
Second Term as President
During his second term, two different governments were in power in Bulgaria. These were the government led by Sergei Stanishev and later the one led by Boyko Borisov. Parvanov often had disagreements with some ministers in the new government.
ABV Political Project
In 2010, Parvanov started a new political platform called ABV. The name comes from the first three letters of the Bulgarian alphabet. He said it was not a political party at first. However, he traveled to many cities and met with local leaders. This made some people think he was preparing for future elections.
Later, in January 2014, Parvanov announced that he would officially restart the ABV project. He said ABV would have its own candidates for the European Parliament elections that year. In 2017, he stepped down as the leader of the ABV party.
Public Allegations
Claims about Past Work
In 2006, Parvanov said that before 1989, there was a file about him at the Communist Security Service. This file used the nickname "Gotse." Parvanov explained that the file showed he was asked for his help as a historian. He was consulted for a book about historical events related to Macedonia. He said the file only showed his scientific assistance.
Some people who had seen the files agreed with him. Others claimed that the historical research was just a start, and he had agreed to work as an agent. However, these claims were not fully proven.
Iraq Oil for Food Program
A report from the United Nations looked into the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. This report suggested that in 1998, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, led by Parvanov, received money from Saddam Hussein. Parvanov denied these claims. He stated that his party's funding was open and legal. No further evidence was found to support these allegations.
Other Initiatives
Bulgarian Christmas Charity Campaign
Georgi Parvanov started the "Bulgarian Christmas" campaign in 2003. This campaign raises money to help children get medical treatment. It also helps to improve hospitals and health centers.
Every year around Christmas, there is a special musical event. Bulgarian singers perform, and the President and his wife, along with other important guests, attend. The event is shown on national TV. People can donate money through text messages and bank transfers. Millions of euros have been donated over the years. Parvanov made sure the money was used for its intended purpose.
Family Life
Georgi Parvanov is married to Zorka Parvanova. They got married in 1983. They have two sons named Vladimir and Ivaylo. Parvanov also has two grandchildren from his son Vladimir: Georgi, born in 2011, and Victoria, born in 2015.
Awards and Honors
International Awards
Georgi Parvanov has received many awards from other countries. Some of these include:
Azerbaijan: Heydar Aliyev Order
Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Leopold
Brazil: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross
Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant
Estonia: Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
Latvia: 1st Class with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars
Lithuania: Knight Grand Cross with Golden Chain of the Order of Vytautas the Great
Malta: Companion of Honour with Collar of the National Order of Merit
Monaco: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles
Norway: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav
Spain: Collar of the Order of Civil Merit
Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry
See also
In Spanish: Gueorgui Parvanov for kids
