Zhelyu Zhelev Facts for Kids

In this article, the family name is Mitev.

Quick facts for kids Zhelyu Zhelev
Желю Желев


1st President of Bulgaria
In office 22 January 1992 – 22 January 1997
Prime Minister	Philip Dimitrov Lyuben Berov Reneta Indzhova (Acting) Zhan Videnov
Vice President	Blaga Dimitrova
Preceded by	Himself (as Chairman)
Succeeded by	Petar Stoyanov
2nd Chairman (President) of Bulgaria
In office 1 August 1990 – 22 January 1992
Prime Minister	Andrey Lukanov Dimitar Popov Philip Dimitrov
Deputy	Atanas Semerdzhiev
Preceded by	Petar Mladenov
Succeeded by	Himself (as President)
Chairman of the UDF
In office 1989 – 1990
Preceded by	Office Established
Succeeded by	Petar Beron

Personal details
Born	(1935-03-03)3 March 1935 Veselinovo, Bulgaria
Died	30 January 2015(2015-01-30) (aged 79) Sofia, Bulgaria
Resting place	Central Sofia Cemetery
Political party	Independent (1990–2015)
Other political affiliations	Union of Democratic Forces (1989–1990) Communist Party (1960–1965)
Spouse	Maria Zheleva (m. 1961; died 2013)
Children	Mitko (died 80 days after birth) Yordanka (died in 1993) Stanka
Occupation	Philosopher
Signature

Zhelyu Mitev Zhelev (Желю Митев Желев; 3 March 1935 – 30 January 2015) was an important Bulgarian politician. He was the first non-Communist President of Bulgaria, serving from 1990 to 1997. Zhelev was a key leader in the 1989 Bulgarian Revolution. This event ended the long rule of President Todor Zhivkov.

He was a member of the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF). He was first elected President by the 7th Grand National Assembly. Later, he won Bulgaria's first direct presidential elections. He tried for a second term in 1996 but lost his party's support to Petar Stoyanov.

Zhelyu Zhelev's Early Life

Growing Up in Bulgaria

Zhelyu Zhelev was born in 1935 in a small village called Veselinovo. His family was not wealthy. He went on to study philosophy at Sofia University. He graduated in 1958 and earned his PhD in 1974. This was a big achievement because he faced difficulties for his political views.

Expelled from the Communist Party

Zhelev was once a member of the Bulgarian Communist Party. However, he was removed from the party in 1965 for political reasons. After this, he was unemployed for six years. In Bulgaria at that time, all jobs were controlled by the government. He lived in his wife's village and did odd jobs to make a living.

Zhelyu Zhelev as a Dissident

Writing "The Fascism"

In 1982, Zhelev published a book called "The Fascism" (Фашизмът). This book was very controversial. Just three weeks after it came out, the government removed it from all bookstores and libraries. The book described fascist countries like Italy, Germany, and Spain. Many people felt that his descriptions of these regimes were similar to the Communist governments in Eastern Europe.

Starting Democratic Movements

In 1988, just before communism ended, Zhelev started the Ruse Committee. In 1989, he helped create the Club for Support of Openness and Reform. This club was one of many new groups pushing for democracy. These efforts helped him become the leader of the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS).

Becoming a Member of Parliament and President

Election to the National Assembly

Zhelev was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in June 1990. This was for the 7th Grand National Assembly. The main goal of this assembly was to write a new democratic Constitution of Bulgaria.

Becoming President of Bulgaria

After President Petar Mladenov resigned, the assembly chose Zhelev to be his replacement on 1 August 1990. This made him the first head of state in 44 years who was not a Communist.

Presidential Elections

The 1992 Presidential Election

A new constitution was adopted in July 1991. It stated that the president would be chosen directly by voters. A president could serve a maximum of two terms. The first such election happened in January 1992. Zhelev was the top candidate in the first round on January 12. A week later, he won the second round against Velko Valkanov. Valkanov was supported by the Socialists. Zhelev won with 52.8% of the votes. This made him Bulgaria's first directly elected head of state. He then stopped being a formal member of the UDF. The new constitution did not allow the president to be part of a political party while in office.

The 1996 Presidential Election

Zhelev wanted to serve a second term in 1996. However, he lost the UDF party's nomination to Petar Stoyanov, who later won the election.

Later Political Life

After the Presidency

After his presidency ended in 1997, Zhelev remained involved in politics, but on a smaller scale. He became an Honorary Chair of the Liberal Democratic Union. He also became an Honorary Chair of the Liberal International. In 1997, he created a foundation named after himself.

Balkan Political Club

Zhelev started and led the Balkan Political Club. This was a group of former political leaders from Southeast Europe. Through this club, he supported Turkey joining the European Union.

Views on Government

In 2009, Zhelev shared his idea that Bulgaria should have a presidential system. He thought it should be like the French model. He believed the country should have both a prime minister and a president. But the president should have more power to oversee the government.

Zhelev passed away in Sofia on 30 January 2015, at the age of 79.

Family Life

Zhelyu Zhelev was married to Maria Zheleva (1942–2013). They had two daughters, Yordanka (1963–1993) and Stanka (born 1966). He also had two grandchildren from his daughter Stanka.

Awards and Honors

Recognition for Macedonia

On 15 January 2010, Zhelev received the Macedonian state Order 8-September. This award was for his help in recognizing the independence of the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonia gained independence from the former Yugoslavia.