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

Plamen Dimitrov

Bulgarian union leader warns of BGN 17–18 billion shortfall in draft budget

Plamen Dimitrov, president of Bulgaria’s largest trade union, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), has warned of a potential shortfall of around 17–18 billion leva (EUR 8.7–9.2 billion) in next year’s draft budget...

published on 10/17/25 3:16 PM
Hristijan Mickoski

North Macedonia's PM rules out unconditional constitutional recognition of Bulgarians

North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said his government will not unconditionally recognise Bulgarians in the country’s constitution.  “Nobody has the right to expect this government to make constitutional changes unconditionally,” he told..

published on 10/17/25 2:36 PM

Bulgarian rectors propose Danube University Alliances

‘The Bulgarian Rectors’ Council has proposed the creation of Danube University Alliances,’ said Professor Miglena Temelkova, the Council's chair, at the ‘Days of Bulgaria in Kecskemét, Hungary’ forum. The idea is for the alliances to include..

published on 10/17/25 2:13 PM