We lost Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev – the first democratically elected president of the Republic of Bulgaria (1990 – 1997) and a great friend of the Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitry Panitza”.

The Executive Director Dr. Irina Alexieva wrote in her letter of condolences to President Zhelev’s family: We lost a person who, with his faith in better and active work, changed the course of the whole country and gave a new perspective in life for all Bulgarians. We lost a man of principles, a dedicated politician, a worthy and honorable Bulgarian.

We will always remember him as an example of honesty, confidence and dedication to democratic values and democratic development of Bulgaria.

He will be greatly missed!