41969 | 22 Dec. 2025 | 11:43

During these tumultuous times, Georgi Yordanov warned that chaos and poverty were on the horizon, along with social and political injustices. He stated that politicians often make wrong decisions and lead us into adventures, with the entire Bulgarian

Today we mourn the loss of Georgi Yordanov, the last Minister of Culture of the communist regime and a close ally of Lyudmila Zhivkova.

 Over the years, he held several government positions, including Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Council for Spiritual Development at the Council of Ministers, Chairman of the Committee for Culture, and Minister of Culture, Science and Education from August 1987 to July 1989.

 Both left and right-wing parties recognize his significant contribution to the development of Bulgarian culture. He was a person with exceptional knowledge, an intellectual at heart, often jokingly referred to as the "Minister of Culture in free practice".

 Although he has not been in a leadership position in the state for a long time, Georgi Yordanov continued to attend premieres, exhibitions, and all kinds of art events. Cultural figures were categorical that Yordanov is the most qualified minister they have ever had. He always found time to show his respect for the people of art. Always focused, busy, filled with positive energy which he transmitted to others, without burdening them with his problems, without complaining about what was happening, but with accurate assessment of societal phenomena.

 Even at the beginning of the transition, during the years of devastation, Georgi Yordanov predicted that Bulgaria, with slogans like "bad steward", with the destruction of agriculture and industry, should not expect anything good.

 Georgi Yordanov did not give interviews, he wrote his books in which he looked at the successes of Bulgarian culture. He was often seen at premieres and always managed to "unbutton" a wise remark for the present day. Our conversation about Lyudmila Zhivkova is on the occasion of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of her birth, which sparked extreme and highly controversial comments about her activities.

 I offer to you, dear readers, once again this interview published in my book "Wounds from Power".

 November 15, 2012

 - Mr. Yordanov, among the contemporary witnesses, you have worked with Lyudmila Zhivkova for the longest time. What is your assessment of her? Decades later, her name is still shrouded in myths, there is still no objective analysis of her activities, and part of her life remains a mystery. - Lyudmila Zhivkova undoubtedly has merits for the development of Bulgarian culture. 31 years after her death and 70 years after her birth are a fitting occasion to speak the simple truth about her. Neither to be glorified and elevated to a god, nor to be denied, nor to be opposed to time and circumstances, thanks to which she realized herself as a public and state figure. Let us protect the memory of her short life from misinterpretations and leave it to history – the most faithful judge, to evaluate her actions.

 - Many today challenge the merits towards Bulgarian culture. Are they right? - She had scientific knowledge about the Bulgarian national fate. Lyudmila Zhivkova was proud of Bulgaria's contribution to world civilization and worked to make it widely known. As a convinced patriot, she worked to popularize our cultural achievements, to open our country to the world and the world - towards Bulgaria. According to me, she managed to use her high position to turn the projects "1300 Years of Bulgarian State", the International Children's Assembly "Banner of Peace" into unique institutions for improving education through culture, knowledge of great personalities and more. Praiseworthy were the efforts to build a more attractive, humane image of socialist Bulgaria; to develop dialogue and cooperation between the PRB and Western countries. Lyudmila Zhivkova united prominent intellectuals around her, relying on their advice. The closest were Bogomil Rainov, Svetlin Rusev, Alexander Fol, Alexander Lilov, Lyubomir Levchev, Mircho Germanov, Pavel Pissarev, Milcho Braynov, Dimitar Filippov, Peyu Berbenliev, Elit Nikolov and others. And as it is known, a good leader chooses good collaborators.

 − And where is the blame?
- What did she fail at?
 – I cannot judge. − And still? – I think she allowed impostors to take advantage of good intentions, of an excessive belief in human virtues. They abused her trust, caused calamities, moral upheavals.

 − What is the biggest speculation about her name? Was she an internal party opponent, even if not publicly expressed, of the system? – These are malicious claims that she - a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party and a minister, was fighting against the official policy of the Bulgarian socialist state. She was an honest and active participant in the modernization of the country.

 − But still, she had disputes with her father. I have heard this from Lyubomir Levchev, Zhena Zhivkova, and Lilyana Stefanova. What were they about? - The disputes with the all-powerful father were on secondary issues or about marginalized creators that she defended. All projects under the leadership of Lyudmila Zhivkova were approved by the Politburo, the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party and the Council of Ministers. Open the archives and you will see that. The relationship between Todor Zhivkov and Lyudmila Zhivkova was an example of deep family ties. After the sudden death of Lyudmila, Todor Zhivkov was devastated and took a long time to recover. Here's just one fact: A delegation from the USSR, led by Lyudmila's colleague and friend, Pyotr Demichev - then a candidate-member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Minister of Culture of the USSR - arrived for the funeral. In Bankya, the father and the guest spent long hours in silence, broken by grief.

 - So you're saying she had no intention of standing up against her father? Some even quote her words: "The time will come when we will work without my father..." - Absolutely not! Anyone who knows the actual situation in the second half of the 1970s will confirm that such statements are absurd. Would a rational person compare the morally elevated Lyudmila to the treacherous and ungrateful daughters of Shakespeare's King Lear - Goneril and Regan?

 - How did the "princess," as she was called, behave? Was she arrogant as the daughter of the most powerful man in the country? Liliana Stefanova claims that in her everyday life she did not seek showiness. - She behaved modestly, normally. She was compassionate towards other people's pain. She felt uncomfortable when she was flattered. I remember one of her meetings with writers in the main hall of the former Japanese hotel. She was not convinced of the theses she presented; her speech was scattered and abstract. When it ended, she sincerely shared with me: "It didn't work out." "Don't worry, we are in our environment here," I said. The speeches began. They were not praises, they were not superlatives... She became embarrassed and whispered: "How are they not uncomfortable?"

 - And what were the relations with Pavel Matev, whom she replaced at the Ministry of Culture? - In the middle of 1975, Lyudmila Zhivkova headed the Committee for Culture. But she did not turn her back on what had been done by her predecessor - the great poet Pavel Matev. Continuing to develop the state-social initiative in managing spiritual processes that began during his time; it relied on the great accomplishments in the field of culture in previous decades. This was an example of fruitful succession and respect for good traditions. With this approach, it succeeded in logically contributing to the further advancement of Bulgarian spirituality.

 - But how does the daughter of a communist leader become enthralled by Eastern philosophies and mysticism, and how did the party allow it? - It was her own free choice, her personal right. She did not force anyone to imitate her. Perhaps the heavy car accident she suffered contributed to these inclinations. And Professor Bogomil Raynov convincingly guided her in this direction. But her mystique, as you put it, attracted the interest of respected individuals from India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, who have spoken to me with respect about Lyudmila Zhivkova. Indira Gandhi - the legendary leader of the continent, called her "a dear departed" and pointed out that the relations between India and Bulgaria are "not only friendly, but also familial".

 - Which thesis do you share about her death - was it an accident or a violent death, in which the KGB had a hand? We know that Lyudmila Zhivkova was afraid that Soviet agents were spying on her. She even doubted her own bodyguards. Upon her return from her last visit to India, shortly before her death, she made a direct accusation towards Murdjev: "People from the Indian side told me that there is always someone around me who is known to work for the secret services of the Councils. According to them, you are an excellent Soviet agent, inserted into our family." What does this mean, Mr. Yordanov? - It is absurd to claim that the death of Lyudmila Zhivkova was violent. It is disgusting to suggest that the KGB of the USSR took advantage of the ambition of father Todor Zhivkov to deprive her of life. I cannot even accept the possibility that she took her own life. She was a vibrant personality. I do not believe that she deliberately caused immeasurable suffering to her children and family. I think it was an unfortunate accident. She had taken sleeping pills, as she had done before, and had entered the bathtub, gulping down water... Uncle - Academic Dr. Atanas Maleev, who organized the post-death medical and other examinations, convincingly proved this hypothesis.

 - But before entering the bathroom on this last day of her life, she had returned from Borovets, where it is claimed that she had a quarrel with her father. What was it about? - Only the two of them know. Let's try to understand the fear of a father who sees his daughter fading away, not eating, fallen into complete despair, betrayed by people she trusted, who have violated her trust.

 - You are talking about the case against the Deputy Ministers Zhivko Popov, Emil Alexandrov and the others? Zhivko Popov was suspected of embezzling millions, which he did under everyone's noses, and a noisy trial began against him and others. - Yes. Exactly the people who caused the great misfortune and brought it into depression, after three decades started disseminating lies about its life-being, about the long Soviet hand, which interrupted life. Nothing new - reality is full of examples of black ingratitude; with proteges, owing everything to their benefactors, while they are strong, and then shamelessly justifying their wickedness with them.

 - Have you ever had the feeling that Lyudmila Zhivkova did not like the excessive ideological indoctrination of the system? In the 80s, mystical notes began to creep into official speeches. She often replaced the ideological phrase "communist upbringing" with "aesthetic upbringing". Lyubomir Levchev has told me that he has made almost "anti-party statements". In his novelized biography, the poet - her deputy and like-minded, writes: "Every time Lyudmila replaces the word "revolution" with "evolution", the growling of irritation echoes from the caves of dogmas." - Lyudmila Zhivkova was not a slave to dogmas. She often had to argue with officials in our country and in some socialist countries. But her self-confidence and free-thinking were also due to the fact that for 5-6 years she held very high positions in the ruling Bulgarian Communist Party and in the state. Now some claim to have heard her talk about giving up Karl Marx's teachings. It seems to me that this is a fabrication. Lyudmila Zhivkova was religious and close to Vanga. Some of her beliefs were eclectic - she believed it was normal for opposing ideologies like atheism and Blavatsky's teachings, the Agni Yoga system and other Eastern philosophies to coexist. She was convinced that Bulgaria's geographical location and social environment were favorable for such compatibility. She was inspired by the idea that she had a mission in this regard. This is also where her exceptional reverence for the role of India and Mexico comes from. Lyudmila Zhivkova argued that politics should be implemented through evolutionary changes based on spirituality. Perhaps that is why she focused her attention on the unique legacy of Leonardo da Vinci and other prominent figures like Nicholas Roerich - the author of the idea for the Assembly for Peaceful Cooperation in the World.

 - Has Zhivkov talked to you about the development of Lyudmila? - Many times. He believed that it was necessary for her to gain administrative experience and protect herself from distractions. He once shared: "Lyudmila complains to me: 'I am your daughter, I can't relax anywhere.'" She was probably worried, seeing how people flattered and pleased her because she was the daughter of the head of state. Similar nagging is experienced by every child of famous parents. I have been told that in her youth, Lyudmila was very cheerful, natural, and artistic...

 - Yes, she was a big spender, she danced well, and she even smoked, which was considered a violation of party dogma at that time. - Still, the fact that she was the daughter of Dr. Mara Maleeva and Todor Zhivkov is also her luck, because her successful realization as one of the architects of Bulgarian culture is to a large extent due to her parents. And perhaps Todor Zhivkov hoped that she would take his place...

  - Who were the people who stood against her and what she was doing? - Who would dare to oppose projects and initiatives approved by the highest party and state authorities! Well, there were those who were close to her who made trouble. They demonstrated their strength and sharpness after Lyudmila's death. Milko Balev took the position of the greatest continuation of the cause, spreading rumors against those who sincerely cooperated. This was a paradox, because we knew that Lyudmila Zhivkova did not like him and allowed herself to speak against him not only in a close circle, but also in front of her father. 

 - She was ambitious. Has she always stood by her positions? - Lyudmila Zhivkova was energetic, ambitious, at times - too stubborn. She loved to help acquaintances who had fallen into difficult situations. This was the case with Zhelyu Zhelev. She appointed the dissident philosopher in the Institute of Culture of the Committee for Culture. And after his death, he continued to work in the institute undisturbed and it was here that he defended his doctoral dissertation.

  - What happened after his death? A race for the team, neglect of her achievements in the field of culture - this is acknowledged by some of her closest associates. "After the death in the 1980s, with joint efforts, generous state care and broad public support, culture has achieved new high results of national significance and strong international impact. Remember the remarkable works that were created during this time in literature, music, theater, visual arts, cinema, architecture, and science. Many of them are now considered classics. Massive construction of cultural, educational and recreational centers, museums and art galleries, theaters and concert halls, cinemas and community centers, historical monuments, etc. took place. The quality of library and community work, artistic amateur activities, education and upbringing in schools and art schools, all saw improvement." It is good and useful to ask unbiased creators and performers from those years what they think about the cultural progress of our country and the then attitude of the state and society towards national spirituality. I hope that they will give you the most accurate answer to the question. I believe it would not be appropriate for me to speak about events and manifestations with which I am organically connected.

 - And on an international level, how was it remembered? - On an international level, what was started by Lyudmila Zhivkova was developed and enriched with new fruitful initiatives. Our country expanded its cultural ties with over 130 countries. Major exhibitions of Bulgarian treasures and our ancient and contemporary art in countries such as Germany, England, the USSR, Japan, Canada, Poland, Austria, Italy, Norway, and others have provoked great interest and have been honored by the attention of high-ranking officials in these countries. Bulgarian musicians, such as opera singers, choirs, and virtuoso performers, continued to bring glory to our homeland around the world. The most famous artists also toured on Bulgarian stages. Bulgaria was a preferred location for forums of writers, architects, artists, filmmakers, and theaters from almost all continents. The international children's assembly "Banner of Peace" continued to be held with even greater success and with the support of the UN and UNESCO. The 23rd General Conference of UNESCO in 1985 brought together the world's spiritual elite in Sofia.

  - You also established the Lyudmila Zhivkova Foundation. Why?

  - Yes, we founded the international foundation "Lyudmila Zhivkova", which was a precedent in Eastern Europe. International personalities with various political beliefs were involved in the establishment and activities of the foundation. Thousands of scholarship recipients from the foundation have graduated from prestigious universities and schools in Europe, Japan, the USA, and others. Only a few of them (like a current minister, whose pettiness is comparable to his ostentatiousness) did not live up to the care and trust of the foundation and its sponsors. And now, thirty years later, its successor and continuation - the international foundation "Sts. Cyril and Methodius", is a useful and authoritative institution with a permanent presence in spiritual life.

  - Let's return to the family of the First again. What was Todor Zhivkov's attitude towards the Maleev family? - Warm, heartfelt. Todor Zhivkov had a high opinion of the intelligence of the Maleevs. He treated his wife, Dr. Mara Maleeva-Zhivkova, with great respect and valued her opinions and advice. She was an excellent mother and an active community leader, serving as a long-time member of the Sofia City Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party and taking an active part in the life of the capital city and the country. A highly moral person, she responded to numerous letters and complaints about irregularities and abuses. Eyewitnesses reported that she also protected Todor Zhivkov from certain wrong actions and decisions. In early September 1971, she reported to the Chairman of the State Council of the People's Republic of Bulgaria the proposal to create a new capital district, the seventh, consisting of suburban settlements, as well as other matters concerning Sofia. It was noticed that she was very sad. At the end, he said: "Mara is leaving me. Maleev just informed me that her cancer is incurable." He was depressed, shattered. Three months later, the people of Sofia said goodbye to the respected doctor.

 - How did Ivan Slavkov feel in this family and in the shadow of his powerful wife? - Ivan Slavkov was not a tin button sewn onto a golden garment, but the beloved chosen one, the legal husband of Lyudmila Zhivkova. He lived in a breath-taking, unrestrained, lavish manner. His character, like that of every person, had bright and beautiful, but also conflicting sides. The sea of his experiences had many ebbs and flows, successes and disasters. He did not fit into the narrow mold of a standard personality; he stood out from the petty and boring people with claims of righteousness. But this unique person never harmed anyone. Contrary - Ivan Slavkov was as different as he was charming. And interacting with him enriched one's perception of the diversity of life and human destinies.

 - Since when do you know him and Lyudmila Zhivkova? - Since their wedding visit to Sliven. Ivan Slavkov had written that they had made their "honeymoon journey" in 1969 in the Sliven district. They became acquainted with the historical, cultural and natural landmarks of Sliven, Kotel, Zheravna, Medven and other villages in the district; they met interesting people. - He was one of the most talked about citizens of Sofia in those years, legends were told about his bohemian lifestyle.

 - Yes, Ivan Slavkov was perhaps among the most appreciated Sofians. His free spirit, liberated from prejudices, continues to be a topic that sparks contradictory opinions. I dare to argue that many stories about his domestic life during his days and nights are exaggerated, distorted, and untrue. Judges, burdened by scruples, do not hide that his popularity annoys them. A popularity that outlived him. I have read both truthful writings about him, as well as fabrications and absurdities. Unfortunately, he can no longer refute the lies; the dead are defenseless against baseless accusations and slander. But the living should not abandon the truth about his complex personality... I remember that gray spring day of 2011 when Ivan Slavkov closed his eyes and entered his second life among the people. I watched the mournful crowd, despite the rain, gathering to bid farewell to the deceased. I saw faces that I have heard being scolded, even being judged. I was convinced: death is a mediator for meeting all kinds of characters. And I remembered the words of the Savior, who protected the accused woman from the angry crowd: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." The people who accompanied Ivan Slavkov from the National Stadium "Vasil Levski" to his eternal home, held not cold stones in their trembling hands, but fragrant flowers; the citizens expressed gratitude for his real merits. Because these - his merits, are the main, essential part of Ivan Slavkov's existence.

 - What are his merits? - The young civil engineer Ivan Slavkov was a talented journalist in the newspapers "Trud" and "Labor Affairs". The decade during which he served as CEO of BNT is rightfully hailed as the most successful period in the development of the state electronic media. At the same time, he was an advisor to the City Council, chairman of the Philatelic Union, member of the Bureau of the Committee on Culture, and for a long time led the creative intelligentsia and was associated with the rise of talented authors and performers. In the field of sports, he was also a prominent figure in the international sports movement. - But he also became the target of the judiciary system! - Yes. At the very beginning of the criminal Bulgarian transition, he was falsely accused, humiliated with arrest and a long legal process. They also attacked his family. Through a well-executed provocation, he was deprived of his beloved job; he was removed from the leadership of the Olympic Committee, the Football Union, and his membership in the IOC. Many malicious individuals believed that they had finally succeeded in breaking the spirit of the proud Olympian. But he did not break, he continued on with his head held high. After all, as the old Macedonians say about the deceased: "We will remember them..." It is known that human characters show resilience or weakness in the face of difficult trials and the vicissitudes of life. This is evident in the last years of Ivan Slavkov's life. Similar to the knight from La Mancha, he began to fight against obvious and insidious opponents. He opposed the ideas of patriotism of the political movement "Forward, Bulgaria!" to those of the unpatriotic individuals. A former ambassador who behaved like a governor in our sovereign state was dubbed the "grand scammer". He took it upon himself to revive the remnants of the former strong national organization for physical culture; proposed a project to celebrate the top achievements of Bulgarian sports, and so on. Ivan Slavkov, also known as "Bateto", has left us as the lyrical hero in Dimcho Debelyanov's poem with the line "the smiling dream..."