Kiro Gligorov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kiro Gligorov
Киро Глигоров |
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Gligorov in 1993
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| 1st President of Macedonia | |
| In office 27 January 1991 – 19 November 1999 |
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| Prime Minister | Nikola Kljusev Branko Crvenkovski Ljubčo Georgievski |
| Vice President | Ljubčo Georgievski (1991) |
| Preceded by | Vladimir Mitkov (as President of the SR Macedonia) |
| Succeeded by | Boris Trajkovski |
| President of the Federal Assembly of Yugoslavia | |
| In office 15 May 1974 – 15 May 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Mijalko Todorović |
| Succeeded by | Dragoslav Marković |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kiro Pančev
3 May 1917 Štip, Bulgarian-occupied Serbia (now North Macedonia) |
| Died | 1 January 2012 (aged 94) Skopje, Macedonia |
| Nationality | Yugoslav/Macedonian |
| Political party | LCM/Independent |
| Spouse |
Nada Misheva
(m. 1943; died 2009) |
| Children | 3 |
Kiro Gligorov (Macedonian: Киро Глигоров; May 3, 1917 – January 1, 2012) was an important Macedonian politician. He served as the very first President of the Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia). He held this top position from 1991 to 1999.
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Kiro Gligorov's Early Life
Kiro Gligorov was born in a town called Štip. This was during World War I when the area was occupied by Bulgaria. His birth name was Kiro Pančev.
He later studied law at the University of Belgrade. After Yugoslavia was defeated in 1941, he returned to Skopje. He worked there as a lawyer until 1943.
In 1942, Bulgarian police arrested him. They thought he was a pro-Serbian communist. He was released after the mayor of Skopje helped him. Later, he joined the National Liberation War of Macedonia. He helped organize the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM). He also worked as a finance commissioner for ASNOM.
Political Career and Macedonia's Independence
After World War Two, Kiro Gligorov held many important jobs in Yugoslavia. From 1945 to 1947, he was an Assistant Secretary General. He then became an Assistant Minister of Finance from 1947 to 1952.
He continued to serve in various economic roles. Later, he was the Finance Minister of Yugoslavia from 1962 to 1967. He also became President of the Assembly of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This was a very high position, which he held from 1974 to 1978.
Leading Macedonia to Independence
In February 1990, Gligorov joined a group discussing Macedonia's future. They talked about the situation in Yugoslavia. They also explored ways for Macedonia to become independent.
On January 25, 1991, Macedonia declared its sovereignty. Two days later, on January 27, 1991, Gligorov was elected. He became the first President of the independent Republic of Macedonia. He then asked Nikola Kljusev to form the first government.
Gligorov played a key role in Macedonia becoming independent. He also helped it gain international recognition.
The Referendum for Independence
He created the question for a special vote (referendum) on September 8, 1991. The question asked if people wanted a sovereign and independent Macedonia. It also asked if it could join a future union of sovereign Yugoslav states.
Some people wanted to remove the second part of the question. They feared military action from the Yugoslav army. But Gligorov kept his wording. After the vote was successful, Gligorov celebrated with citizens.
Gaining International Recognition
After Macedonia adopted its Constitution, Gligorov worked hard for international recognition. On December 16, 1991, the European Community decided to recognize new independent states. These states had to meet certain conditions.
President Gligorov applied for Macedonia's recognition. An expert group, the Arbitration Commission, reviewed the application. They had some doubts because of the second part of the referendum question. Gligorov explained that Macedonia truly wanted independence. He believed a new alliance of republics might form peacefully.
Views on Macedonian Identity
Kiro Gligorov spoke about the identity of Macedonians. In 1992, he stated, "We are Macedonians but we are Slav Macedonians. That's who we are!" He added that modern Macedonians are not connected to Alexander the Great. He explained that the ancient Macedonians disappeared long ago. Our ancestors, he said, came to the region in the 5th and 6th centuries AD.
Joining the United Nations
On April 7, 1993, Macedonia joined the United Nations. It was referred to as the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." Gligorov gave his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
He was re-elected President on October 16, 1994. On September 13, 1995, an agreement was signed with Greece. This helped normalize relations between the two countries. The next day, he signed a recognition agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Assassination Attempt
On October 3, 1995, Kiro Gligorov was the target of an assassination attempt. A car bomb exploded in Skopje as he was going to his office. His driver was killed, and several people nearby were injured.
Gligorov was seriously hurt above his right eye. He was rushed to the hospital. No one has ever been charged for the attack. The investigation has not made progress.
Gligorov was unable to work until November 17, 1995. He became permanently blind in one eye because of the attack. During his recovery, Stojan Andov served as acting president.
Personal Life and Legacy
Kiro Gligorov received many international awards. These recognized his successful leadership and his efforts in international relations. He was given an honorary doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997. In 1998, he received the Mediterranean Peace Prize.
He finished his second term as president in 1999. Boris Trajkovski became the new president. In 2011, Gligorov received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In October 1943, Gligorov married Nada Misheva. They had one son and two daughters.
Kiro Gligorov was the oldest Macedonian political official. When his second term ended in 1999, he was 82 years old. In 2000, the Guinness World Records listed him as the world's oldest president.
Death
Kiro Gligorov died peacefully in his sleep on January 1, 2012. He was 94 years old. His funeral was private, attended only by his closest family. He was buried in Butel Municipality, Skopje.
Honours
Order of the Yugoslav Star with Sash-
Order of Brotherhood and Unity with golden wreath -
Order of Labours with red flag 
Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Sash of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (1968)
Jubilee Medal "65 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945
See Also
In Spanish: Kiro Gligorov para niños
