September 9: A Pivotal Day of Catastrophe and Change in Bulgarian History

For many, September 9 marks a pivotal moment in Bulgarian history, symbolizing the end of the capitalist system and the beginning of what was seen as a more just communist society. However, for others, it is remembered as a dark day, a bloody coup that led to the end of democracy and private property, affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians.

As noted by the prominent historian Prof. Plamen Pavlov, September 9 represents a national catastrophe of the 20th century. In an interview with BGNES, he emphasized that the date should not be ignored or seen purely in black or white terms. The lasting consequences of the events of that day are undeniable, with historians pointing out the widespread damage that continues to impact Bulgarian society. Pavlov also stressed that while the legacy of September 9 has been addressed through education and information, the deep psychological trauma associated with it still requires attention from political psychologists.

Prof. Pavlov believes that the trauma of September 9 is not just a historical issue, but also a psychological one. He argues that the Bulgarian nation still struggles to overcome the legacy of that period. The once-lauded communist leaders, such as Georgi Dimitrov or Valko Chervenkov, are no longer celebrated, and the nation's sovereignty was compromised following that day. Until 1989, Bulgaria was heavily influenced by the USSR, affecting everything from its military to its economy. Even today, remnants of that dependency linger, especially in areas such as energy projects, which continue to reflect subservience to Moscow.

One of the most significant and harmful consequences of the events of September 9 was the abandonment of Bulgaria's national ideals, a lasting impact on the...