January 30

Zhelyu Zhelev was a Bulgarian philosopher, author, and politician who served as the second President of Bulgaria from 1990 to 1997. Born in 1935, he began his career as a literary historian and became a leading moral philosopher. He co-founded the opposition movement that peacefully ended communist rule in Bulgaria. Elected president in the first free elections, Zhelev oversaw democratic reforms and steered Bulgaria toward integration with Western Europe. His moderate leadership and commitment to human rights earned him respect at home and abroad. After leaving office, he continued to write and speak on ethics and democracy.