Todor Zhivkov

former General Secretary of the Bulgarian Communist Party

Todor Hristov Zhivkov (Bulgarian: Тодор Христов Живков [ˈtɔdor ˈxristof ˈʒifkof]; 7 September 1911 – 5 August 1998) was the communist head of state of the People's Republic of Bulgaria (PRB) from March 4, 1954 until November 10, 1989.

Todor Zhivkov
Тодор Живков
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party
In office
March 4, 1954 – November 10, 1989
Preceded byValko Chervenkov
Succeeded byPetar Mladenov
1st Chairman of the State Council
In office
7 July 1971 – 17 November 1989
Preceded byGeorgi Traykov (as Chairman of the Presidium of the National Assembly)
Succeeded byPetar Mladenov
36th Prime Minister of Bulgaria
In office
19 November 1962 – 7 July 1971
Preceded byAnton Yugov
Succeeded byStanko Todorov
Personal details
Born(1911-09-07)7 September 1911
Pravets, Kingdom of Bulgaria
Died5 August 1998(1998-08-05) (aged 86)
Sofia, Bulgaria
NationalityBulgarian
Political partyBulgarian Communist Party (1932-1990) Independent (1990-1998)
Spouse(s)Mara Maleeva
ChildrenLyudmila (1942-1981)
Vladimir (1952-)

Zhivkov was the longest-serving leader of any Eastern Bloc nation.[1] He is one of the longest ruling non-royal leaders in history.

References

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  1. Binder, David (7 August 1998). "Todor Zhivkov Dies at 86; Ruled Bulgaria for 35 Years". New York Times. Retrieved 16 September 2016.