Late 1970s to 1989

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Dec 30

Economic Decline and Continuous Crisis (Late 1970s-1980s)

As the late 1970s and early 1980s unfolded, it became evident that economic objectives in Bulgaria were hindered by a persistent decline. Technological renovation of the industry and the construction of industrial giants proved challenging, requiring substantial international loans. Despite the economic downturn, communist propaganda persisted, extolling the virtues of "real socialism," emphasizing a "new economic approach," "intellectualization of labor and production," and "participation in the international labor division." Nevertheless, the crisis persisted.

Zhivkov's Resistance to "Perestroika"

In the crucial period of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Todor Zhivkov found himself at odds with the newly elected General Secretary of the Central Committee in the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachev's policy of restructuring ("perestroika") did not align with Zhivkov's preferences. Zhivkov claimed that Bulgaria had already undergone its perestroika in 1956, attempting to distance the country from Gorbachev's reforms. Despite Bulgaria being considered the most loyal Soviet satellite in Eastern Europe, it sought to disregard Kremlin directives, opting for demonstrative but ineffective transformations.

Growing Economic Cooperation and Internal Crisis

By the mid-1980s, discussions within the party and state bodies revolved around the possibility of structural renovation of the Bulgarian economy and increased economic cooperation with Western European countries and Japan. The low level of production development and financial distortions set the stage for a challenging transition to a market economy City Tours Istanbul. Simultaneously, Bulgarian-Turkish relations cooled significantly after the controversial acts of imposing Bulgarian names on ethnic Turks from 1984 to 1989.

Intellectual Activism and Informal Organizations (1988-1989)

The internal crisis, coupled with the influence of the Soviet "perestroika," spurred Bulgarian intellectuals into action. The intellectual community became divided between "reformers" and supporters of the old regime. In 1988 and 1989, informal organizations emerged, led by representatives of the red intellectual elite, protesting against reform imitations and advocating for radical transformations. Capitalizing on the World Eco-forum held in Sofia in October 1989, these illegal structures made public appearances through rallies, marches, and subscriptions, signaling the stirring winds of change.