Zhelyu Zhelev

Bulgaria observed February 1 as the Day of Homage to the Victims of the Communist Regime, a poignant reminder of the dark historical chapter that unfolded in the aftermath of World War II.

As Bulgaria observes the "Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Communism," the nation solemnly reflects on a pivotal moment in its history. Instituted in 2011 at the behest of former Presidents Zhelyu Zhelev and Petar Stoyanov, this day serves as a poignant tribute to the victims of a dark chapter that unfolded during the 25th National Assembly on February 1, 1945.

On January 10th, 21 years have passed since the dramatic events before the Bulgarian Parliament, which led to the overthrow of the government of Jan Videnov, reminds Bgnes.

A petition has been launched on social media in Macedonia urging the government to name a street in the capital Skopie after the recently deceased former Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev.

Zhelev, Bulgaria's first democratically-elected President after the fall of communism in 1989, passed away on 30 January.

Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgaria's first democratically-elected president, died on Jan. 30 at 79, his family says Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgaria's first democratically-elected president, died on Jan. 30 at 79, his family told AFP.

Condolence book in memory of late Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, who passed away on Friday, was unveiled in the building of the presidential administration on Saturday.

The book of condolences will be displayed at the main entrance with the guards between 9.30 and 19.30 on Saturday, the presidency's press service reports.

The sudden death of former Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, who died at the age of 79 on Friday, was widely reported in international media.

Bloomberg notes that under Zhelev's presidency, Bulgaria, described as ''the former Soviet Union's staunchest ally'', began its transition from communism to market economy and democracy.

Bulgaria's government has declared a national day of mourning for former President Zhelyu Zhelev (1990-1997), who passed away on Friday.

National flags on government buildings will fly at half mast on Sunday, 1 February 2015, the cabinet announced.

Zhelev, Bulgaria's first democratically elected President after the fall of Communism in 1989, died at the age of 79.

Zhelyu Zhelev, the former President of Bulgaria from 1990 to 1997, has died, the press office of President Rosen Plevneliev announced.

Bulgaria's former President Zhelyu Zhelev (1990-1997) has died, the press office of President Rosen Plevneliev announced. 

Zhelev, Bulgaria's first democratically elected President after the fall of the Communist regime, died at the age of 79 on Friday.

He was a co-founder of the right-wing Union of Democratic Forces (UDF).