Georgi Parvanov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgi Parvanov
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Георги Първанов
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![]() Parvanov in 2008
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3rd President of Bulgaria | |
In office 22 January 2002 – 22 January 2012 |
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Prime Minister |
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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 |
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Preceded by | Zhan Videnov |
Succeeded by | Sergey Stanishev |
Member of the National Assembly | |
In office 12 January 1995 – 29 November 2001 |
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Constituency | 2nd MMC - Burgas |
Personal details | |
Born | Sirishtnik, Bulgaria |
28 June 1957
Political party | Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (2014–present) |
Other political affiliations |
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Spouse |
Zorka Parvanova
(m. 1983) |
Children | Vladimir, Ivaylo |
Alma mater | Sofia University |
Awards | Order of the Southern Cross |
Signature | ![]() |
Georgi Sedefchov Parvanov was the President of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2012. He was born on June 28, 1957. He is a historian and a politician. He was the first Bulgarian president to serve two full terms. During his time as president, he supported Bulgaria joining important groups like NATO and the European Union.
When someone becomes president in Bulgaria, they are not allowed to be a member of a political party. So, after he was elected in 2001, Mr. Parvanov left the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). Even though he was a socialist, he often called himself a 'social president'.
After his second term as president ended, Mr. Parvanov returned to the Socialist Party. Later, in 2014, he started a new political project called Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (ABV). He stepped down as the leader of ABV in 2017.
Georgi Parvanov: Bulgaria's Former President
Early Life and Education
Georgi Parvanov was born in a place called Sirishtnik, in Pernik Province, Bulgaria, on June 28, 1957. He grew up in a nearby village named Kosacha.
In 1975, he finished high school in Pernik. Then, in 1981, he graduated from Sofia University. He studied history and focused on the history of the Bulgarian Communist Party. In 1988, he earned his doctorate in history. His research was about a historical figure named Dimitar Blagoev.
Starting His Political Journey
Mr. Parvanov began his career as a researcher at the Institute for History of the Bulgarian Communist Party in 1981. He was very interested in Bulgarian national issues and the early history of social democracy in Bulgaria.
In 1981, he joined the Bulgarian Communist Party. This party later changed its name to the Bulgarian Socialist Party in 1990. In 1994, he became a leader in the BSP. That same year, he was elected to the National Assembly, which is like Bulgaria's parliament. He was reelected in 1997 and 2001.
From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Parvanov was the chairman of a group in parliament that worked on friendship with Greece. He was also a member of the committee for radio and television.
Becoming President of Bulgaria
In December 1996, the Prime Minister and leader of the BSP, Zhan Videnov, resigned because of a big financial crisis in Bulgaria. Georgi Parvanov was chosen to take his place as party leader.
In 2000, Mr. Parvanov was reelected as the Chairman of the BSP. He helped change the party's direction, which made it possible for Bulgaria to join NATO in 2004.
First Presidential Term (2002-2007)
In the 2001 presidential election, Georgi Parvanov won the first round with 36.4% of the votes. He was ahead of the current president, Petar Stoyanov. In the second round, Mr. Parvanov won with 54.1% of the votes.
He officially became president on January 22, 2002. After his victory, Sergei Stanishev took over as the leader of the Socialist Party. Mr. Parvanov was the first former Communist to become president since 1990.
Re-election and Second Term (2007-2012)
In 2006, Mr. Parvanov ran for president again. He won the first round on October 22 with 64% of the votes. Because not enough people voted in the first round, he had to go to a second round against another candidate, Volen Siderov.
On October 29, Mr. Parvanov won the second round with 76% of the votes. This made him the first president in Bulgaria to be reelected for a second term.



During his second term, two different governments were in power: one led by Sergei Stanishev and another by Boyko Borisov. Mr. Parvanov often had disagreements with some government ministers.
After the Presidency
In 2010, Mr. Parvanov started a new 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 visited many cities and met with mayors, which made some people think he was preparing for future elections.
In January 2014, Mr. Parvanov officially restarted the ABV project. He announced that his group would have its own candidates for the European parliamentary elections that year. On January 15, 2017, he stepped down as the leader of the ABV party.
What the President Does
In Bulgaria, the President's job is mostly to represent the country. The main power to run the government belongs to the Prime Minister and the government ministers. However, Mr. Parvanov was known for being very active during his time as President. He often shared his opinions on important matters.
Helping Children: Bulgarian Christmas
Georgi Parvanov started a special campaign called "Bulgarian Christmas" in 2003. This campaign raises money to help treat children and to improve hospitals and health centers.
Every year around Christmas, there is a musical event where Bulgarian performers sing popular songs. The President and his wife, along with other important guests, attend this event. It is shown on national TV, and people can donate money by sending SMS messages or making bank transfers.
Over the years, millions of euros have been donated by individuals and companies. Mr. Parvanov made sure that the money was used correctly for its purpose.
Family Life
Georgi Parvanov is married to Zorka Parvanova. They got married in 1983. They have two sons named Vladimir and Ivaylo. Mr. Parvanov also has two grandchildren from his son Vladimir: Georgi, born in 2011, and Victoria, born in 2015.
Awards and Recognition
Mr. Parvanov has received many awards and honors from different countries around the world. These awards recognize his work and his importance as a leader.
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 (March 29, 2006)
Estonia: Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana (May 30, 2003)
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 (March 13, 2009)
Malta: Companion of Honour with Collar of the National Order of Merit (October 20, 2009)
Monaco: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (November 26, 2004)
Norway: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav (August 29, 2006)
Spain: Collar of the Order of Civil Merit (June 7, 2003)
Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (October 7, 2002)
See also
In Spanish: Gueorgui Parvanov para niños