Simeon II
Bulgaria- Biography of Simeon II
- Regency and Communist Rule
- End of Monarchy and Exile
- Life Abroad and Education
- Return to Bulgaria
Biography of Simeon II
Simeon II, the last Bulgarian king, was born on June 16, 1937, as the eldest son of Tsar Boris III and his wife, Queen Joanna. He ascended to the throne on August 28, 1943, following his father's death. However, due to his young age, a Regency Council was established consisting of his uncle Prince Cyril, B. Filov, and N. Mihov, to govern the country on his behalf.
Regency and Communist Rule
On September 9, 1944, the pro-Soviet People's Front government came to power, and the regents were arrested. A new Regency Council was formed, comprising of communist T. Pavlov, as well as former opposition members V. Ganev and C. Bobrshevsky. After this, Simeon II lived modestly with his mother in a country palace.
End of Monarchy and Exile
On September 8, 1946, a nationwide referendum on the form of government took place, held under the presence of Soviet troops and with all the levers of power in the hands of the communists. It was announced that the overwhelming majority of the population voted for the establishment of a "People's Republic." On September 15, 1946, the Bulgarian People's Republic was proclaimed, and the monarchy in Bulgaria was abolished. The following day, Simeon II, along with his mother and other relatives, left the country.
Life Abroad and Education
Initially, Simeon II lived in Alexandria, Egypt. He later moved to Madrid in 1951. He completed his education at a French high school and the United States Military Academy, obtaining the rank of reserve lieutenant in the US Army.
Return to Bulgaria
In the June 2001 elections, the "National Movement Simeon II" achieved a convincing victory, gaining 43% of the votes. In July 2001, the Bulgarian National Assembly elected Simeon II as the Prime Minister. In his address to the parliament, he stated that he would do "everything possible for his homeland and every one of its citizens." He declared the main priorities of his government to be Bulgaria's accession to the European Union and NATO, the fight against corruption, and achieving rapid and sustainable economic growth.
