Selected text
From a political point of view I consider the changes after 1989 differently. For me they were not something out of the blue, but more of a logical continuation of the policy Bulgaria led in the 1980s as a socialist country. The political changes gradually led to the democratization of the state. During that time perestroika [20] started in the USSR, which however was essentially wrong and confused: it led to destruction and not to democratization of socialism.
The changes also had an economic aspect. For example 'Decree 56' [21] functioned from 1989 until 1997. The changes started even earlier in 1983 when 'Decree 56' was in the initial stages of development.
On 10th November 1989 [22], at the plenary session during which Todor Zhivkov [23] was replaced, I made a statement, in which I appealed to the delegates not to rush with their evaluations before making a thorough analysis - at least because he was the statesman who had been in power for the longest time since the Liberation. I think that time will best show the advantages and disadvantages of the real socialism.
The changes also had an economic aspect. For example 'Decree 56' [21] functioned from 1989 until 1997. The changes started even earlier in 1983 when 'Decree 56' was in the initial stages of development.
On 10th November 1989 [22], at the plenary session during which Todor Zhivkov [23] was replaced, I made a statement, in which I appealed to the delegates not to rush with their evaluations before making a thorough analysis - at least because he was the statesman who had been in power for the longest time since the Liberation. I think that time will best show the advantages and disadvantages of the real socialism.
Period
Year
1989
Location
Sofia
Bulgaria
Interview
David Elazarov