“I was deeply saddened to learn about the death of the great Bulgarian, politician, statesman and person Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev - a heavy loss for Bulgaria and the World Democratic Community!” This is what the letter of condolence of the Head of State Rosen Plevneliev says, addressed to the relatives of Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev, President of Bulgaria (1990-1997), who suddenly passed away on 30 January 2015.

“With his life and his deeds, Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev set the direction, which we continue to follow today – of a state and people that are ever more confidently following the only possible path for Bulgarians – of building a European type of democracy, of human rights and freedoms. We will remember Dr. Zhelev with his indomitable and dauntless spirit, defending the values of democracy and humanism. The first democratically elected president of Bulgaria is a symbol of the peaceful transition, of tolerance and seeking a national consensus so that all of us, as Bulgarians and Europeans, can have a promising future.

Being aware that no words can be found to ease the pain from the tremendous loss you suffered, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Bulgarian people and on my behalf! We bow our heads to his memory!” President Rosen Plevneliev wrote in his letter addressed to Dr. Zhelyu Zhelev’s relatives.