Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

30 years since the historic visit to Bulgaria by Francois Mitterrand

Photo: French embassy in Bulgaria

It is 30 years today since the historic visit to Bulgaria by French President Francois Mitterrand which gave an impetus to the democratic processes in the country.

During his visit in January 1989, President Mitterrand invited 12 Bulgarian dissident intellectuals to breakfast at the French embassy in Sofia, among them the future first democratically elected President of Bulgaria Zhelyu Zhelev. At their meeting they discussed the problems of societal development in Bulgaria, as well as the persecution the opponents of the regime were subjected to. Later, Francois Mitterrand met with Bulgarian students at the St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia.

President Mitterrand’s meeting with Bulgarian intellectuals is regarded as a key moment in the overthrowal of the Todor Zhivkov communist regime in Bulgaria, which took place in November of the same year. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Renovation of Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint on border with Turkey to begin within three months

Reconstruction of the "Kapitan Andreevo" border checkpoint on Bulgaria's border with Turkey should begin within three months . It is expected to last one year and be completed before the start of the increased summer traffic in..

published on 3/28/25 2:07 PM
Kiril Petkov

Kiril Petkov facing coercion charges

The co-chairman of "We Continue the Change" Kiril Petkov is accused of threats to former Minister of e-Government Alexander Yolovski, in connection with public procurement procedures. He has been imposed a bail of 5,000 euros, but..

published on 3/28/25 1:11 PM
Velichie MP Ivelin Mihaylov

''Velichie'' proposes a declaration on ethical behavior

The MPs from the "Velichie" party proposed to the other parliamentary forces a declaration on the ethical behavior of members of parliament in the 51st National Assembly. As a reason for the proposal, ''Velichie'' pointed to the growing public..

published on 3/28/25 11:41 AM