Simeon Sakskoburggotsky Former Tsar of Bulgaria, Bulgarian politician Date of Birth: 16.06.1937 Country: Bulgaria

1. Early Life and Reign
2. Regency and Abdication
3. Exile and Business Career
4. Return and Political Career
5. Premiership and Controversies
6. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Reign

Simeon Borisov of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was born in Sofia on June 16, 1937, to King Boris III and Queen Giovanna. He inherited the throne at the age of six after his father's death in 1943, ruling under the name Simeon II. However, due to his minority, a regency council governed on his behalf.

Regency and Abdication

Prince Kiril of Preslav, Bogdán Filov, and Nikola Mikhov comprised the regency council from 1943 to 1944. After the collapse of the fascist regime in Bulgaria, they were removed and executed. Todor Pavlov, Venelin Ganev, and Tsvyatko Boboshevski replaced them as regents from 1944 to 1946. In 1946, a referendum abolished the monarchy, forcing Simeon and his family to flee to Egypt.

Exile and Business Career

From Egypt, Simeon moved to Spain in 1951, where he resided until 2001. Upon reaching adulthood in 1955, he declared himself the legitimate King of Bulgaria under the Turnovo Constitution. However, the Bulgarian government denied him entry fearing his claims to power.

Return and Political Career

Simeon's political ambitions resurfaced in 2001 when he formed the National Movement Simeon II (NDSV) and returned to Bulgaria. The NDSV won the parliamentary elections, and Simeon became the 62nd Prime Minister of Bulgaria in July 2001.

Premiership and Controversies

Simeon's government included members of the DOPS and BSP parties, but lacked official socialist support. In 2005, the cabinet underwent changes, bringing in representatives of the New Time party. Despite remaining the second political force in the elections of June 2005, the NDSV formed a coalition government with the BSP and DOPS. Simeon's reign was marked by land restitution and scandals involving alleged ties to organized crime.

Personal Life and Legacy

Simeon Borisov of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was married to Margarita Gómez-Acebo y Cejuela, a Spanish noblewoman. They had four sons and a daughter. He owned significant landholdings in Bulgaria and played a role in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth during his time as Prime Minister.