Census 1992: 8,487,317 inhabitants. 85,5% Bulgarians; 9,7% Turks; 3,4% Roma; 1,1% Others (Russians, Armenians, Walachs, Greeks).
 

1989: To bolster support for his Communist Party, Todor Zhivkov turns on the Turkish minority (Muslim "Pomacs") in Bulgaria.

Begin of March 1989: Congress of the Bulgarian Union of Writers: Despite of former promises some critical textes had not been published. As protest grew, short version of some authors (e.g. of Blaga Dimitrowa, born 1922) were than published in "Literature Front" : "The name" where she criticized the intelectuells having kept silent too long about violation of human rights.

Spring 1989: Nationally organised mass Exodus of Bulgaroturks (300,000) causes a labour shortage in Bulgaria.

April-May 1989: Publication of critical comments of diverse authors in the periodical "Literature Front". The first Bulgarian Samizdat-periodicals ("self-published" periodicals) are being professionaly edited:  "Most" ("Bridge" edited by Edvin Sugarev), "Glas" ("Voice" edited by V. Levcev) and "Zlatorog" ("Golden horn", new edition of a periodical of 1920-43 with the same name from K. Kadijski).

17 August 1989: Turkey closes Frontier to Bulgaroturks.

11 September 1989: Adoptation of a decree about the total rehabilitation of approximately 1000 victims of Stalinist mass terror. They are to be readmited posthumous in the Communist Party and a rent to be paid to surviving relatives.

10 November 1989: After 35 years of rule, Communist party Leader Todor Zhivkov is replaced by hitherto Prime Minister Petre Mladenov who changes the Bulgarian Communist Party's name to the Socialist Party and holds secret talks with US Secretary of State James Baker to discuss human rights in Bulgaria.

17 November 1989: Mladenov becomes also head of state, as successor of Zhivkov.

18 November 1989-December 1989: Massive opposition demonstration in Sofia (around 100,000 participant) calling for democratic reforms.

7 December 1989: Formation of the "Union of Democratic Forces" (SDS) consisting of different political organisations and groups.

December 1989: Zhivkov and his supporter lose their positions. The new leadership announces abolishment of Communist Party's monopoly, free election for next spring, a new constitution and investigation concerning corruption and abuse of power during the Zhivkov Area.

15 December 1989: Declaration of an amnesty for political prisoners.

29 December 1989: After massive protestation against the changes in the minority politic, annulation of discriminative measures against Turkish minority.

1989: Foundation of many ecological movements.

1989: Politisation of arts. With the use of unconventional means the genres performance, installation, Neo-folklorism are gaining importance (G. Assa, A. Daniel, R. Zitov, Spartak Dermendziev...).
 

3 January 1990: Negociation around the round table start between "Union of Democratic Forces" (SDS) and the Communist Party (BKP).

15 January 1990: The leading role of Communist Party is repealed from constitution.

29 January 1990: Former head of state Zhivkov is charged on the abuse of power and corruption and is jailed.

1990:  Private medical services are allowed and the health insurance system is reformated.

8 February 1990: All members of the new Bulgarian cabinet appointed are communists, making Bulgaria the only Eastern European country with an entire communist government.

Mid January/Mid February 1990: German Minister of Foreign Affairs Genscher paying visit to Bulgaria is followed by US Minister of Foreign Affairs Baker almost one month later.

18 February 1990: Transformation of trade union in a "Federation of independent trade unions".

March 1990: The existence of communist concentration camps is made public.

3 April 1990: Petar Mladenov is elected President of the republic.

4 April 1990: Bulgarian Communist Party (BKP) changes its name into Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). The same day a controversed  electoral law passes, which restrictive towards Turkish minority.

10 /17 June 1990: First free election in multiparty system. Socialist Party (Former Communist party) obtains absolute majority with 211 of 400 mandates (80% participation).

Begin of July 1990: Over 5000 manifestators reinforce the student strike lasting three weeks and demand the announcement of all manipulations of the past election (10/17 June) as well as resignation of the head of Socialistic Television, Pavel Pissarev. Bulgarian Farmer Union menaces to send the farmer to counter the demonstration.

7 July 1990: One week after disbandation of Warsaw Pact and Comecon, President Mladenov has to resign because of his proposal of 1989 to disolute manifestations through armed forces. His successor is a former dissident of opposition,  Zhelyn Zhelev (SDS) with a parliamentary majority of 73%.

26 August 1990: Bulgarian Communist Party headquarters are looted and burned.

November 1990: Political student strikes demanding expropriation and judicial proceedings of all former top officials.

26 November 1990: A countrywide strike of the trade union puts the government under pressure.

29 November 1990: Prime Minister Andrej Lukanov resigns; a provisory government is build by Dimitar Popov (independent).

1990: Liberalisation of press law. Establishment of a new press which plays an imminent role in the actual debates (press of trade unions, of parties...).

1990:  Higher education reforms (Autonomy law).

1990: As critical film of Stalinist and forbidden films of the 60ies area has been sent to the Berlinale 1989, Tresorfilm are been shown in Bulgaria; sometimes after decades as Georgi Stoev's "Counted days". Bulgarian Television opened a program track for former forbidden films followed by a discussion with the director. Some especially critic directors are still waiting to be invited.
 

1991: Establishment of a private press agency "Leff Informatia Service", beside the two national ones ("Bulgarska Telegrafna Agentsia" BTA founded 1898 and "Sofia Press Agency" founded 1967).

2 January 1991: The new Prime Minister Dimitar Popov is supported by SDS, BSP and Agrar Party (BZNS). The "Second Agreement at the Round Table" reinforces governmental competences of the Union SDS, especially regarding economical reforms.

19 January 1991: Zhelyn Zhelev wins the Bulgarian presidency. Blagov Dimitrova becomes the first female vice president in postcommunist Eastern Europe.

Begin 1991 Measures for transformation are presented by government: privatisation law (also for bank law), liberalisation of prizes and clearence of national currency "Lev" to achieve the abolition of state monopoly.

15 March 1991: First IMF credit of US$ 503 Million is granted (Inflation reaches 600%).

14 May 1991: Parliementary tension around the elaboration of the new constitution. To prevent the adoption of the draft 20 deputies of SDS are going on hunger strike. This splits the opposition SDS.

12 July 1991: New Constitution adopted under the pressure of President Zhelev who set an ultimatum (309 of 400 votes, part of SDS and DPS are against it). It guarantees independence of justice, separation of state and church, freedom of beliefs, total equality of all confessions before the law and the right to Atheism.

13 October 1991: Early election of new National Assembly under new electoral law are only bring three parties into parliament (240 mandates - proportional vote). The Union of Democratic Forces (SDS) scarcely wins (110 mandates) before the Bulgarian Socialist Party and builts an informel coalition with the "Movement for Rights and Freedoms" (DPS).

8 November 1991: Filip Dimitrov (young lawyer and writer) is elected Prime Minister.

1991: The private Ata-Ray Gallery is opened in Sofia.
 

1992: Demonopolisation of broadcasting is the objective of the  "Parliamentary Commission for Radio" and the "Provisory Council  for Radio and Television Frequencies" (under the Post Ministry) since 1992 without gesetzesgrundlage. Broadcasting and television are under the authority of the "Committee for Television and Broadcasting" (under the "Culture Ministry").

1992: Signing of a Treaty of Trade, Friendship and Co-operation with Russia.

6 January 1992: Diplomatic recognition of the Republic of Moldova.

19 January 1992: Re-election of President Zhelev (with 53% of votes). His opponent at second ballot is Velko Valkaov (supported by BSP, independent). The recognition of Macedonia influences the elections and leads to tensed relation to Grece.

March 1992: Signing of a Convention of Defence with Turkey.

21 April 1992: Proposal of BSP to ban the DPS is not accepted by Constitutional Court and the anulation of the elections of October 1991 avoided.

23 April 1992: Privatisation law concerning nationalised firms adopted.

May 1992: Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation with Turkey

5 May 1992: Bulgaria joins of the European Council as 27th member.

30 July 1992: After a failed attempt of no-confidence vote against the Dimitrov-government by the BSP, president Zhelev (former SDS-chairman) accuses SDS and government to practice "war against everyone".

24 September 1992: End of the coalition between SDS and DPS with the resignation of Parliamentary President Stefan Savov (SDS) demanded by DPS.

October 1992: Resignation of Dimitrov-Cabinet subsequently to no-confidence vote. One month later, after a second no-confidence vote difficulties to find a new candidate. Finaly DPS proposes the independent Ljeben Berov.

7 December 1992:  Despite of nationalist opposition
start of a nation-wide census of population (last poll in 1985) in which minorities are asked to identify themselves for the first time since 1965.

30 December 1992: Swearing-in ceremony of Ljuben Berov-cabinet supported by BSP, DPS and 23 "renegates" of SDS.
 
 

8 March 1993: Treaty of Association with the European Community, Convention with the EFTA and membership in North-Atlantic-Co-operation Council.

8 June 1993: Trial for murder of former Bulgarian communist officials in connection with the communist-run labour camps.

6 August 1993: Ex-Premier Andrei Lukanov is charged with diverting high sum (equivalent of US$ 60 Million) to leftist governments.

23 August 1993: The heart of the last Bulgarian King Boris III (reign: 1918-1943) is found in a glass jar on palace ground and reburied in Rila.

November 1993: Begin of diplomatic relationship with the Republic Macedonia.
 

7 January 1994: Former head of state and leader of party Zhivkov is sentenced to seven years of prison because of abuse of power and embezzlement.

14 February 1994: Membership of "Partnership for freedom".

1 April 1994: The introduction of value added tax leads to existential problems for several media.

26 June 1994: Convention about convert of external dept.

19 July 1994: Treaty about Military Co-operation with the USA.

2 September 1994: Resignation of Ljuben Berov after seven survived no-confidence vote.

8 September 1994: Parliament accepts resignation of Berov government

16 October 1994: Dissolution of the parliament by president Zhelev after three failed governmental formation (between BSP, SDS and fraction "New Vote"). Until early elections a provisory government under Renata Indschova is nominated.

18 December 1994: Under the leadership of Zhan Videnov the Bulgarian Socialist Party obtains the absolute majority (125 mandates) of the early elections. The SDS gaines 69 mandates followed by Popular Union (18), DPS (15) and the Bulgarian Business Block (BBB, 13 seats).

December 1994: First McDonald's filial opening in Varna, three more scheduled for 1995.

1994: The license for cable television was given to fa. Globo, national organizer are not admitted yet.

The Soros Center for the Arts – Sofia, is founded in 1994.
 
 

25 January 1995: Zhan Videnov (BSP chairman) is elected new Prime Minister.

1 February 1995: European Community association treaty comes into effect.

25 May 1995: After 50 years of exile, deposed King Simeon II pays a visit to his country, he is ovated by around 100, 000 people.

Spring 1995: Release of grain export leads to crisis (Bread-prize augmentation of 44%).

18-19 May 1995: Russian Prime Minister Victor Tshernomirdin is in Sofia and signes an Agreements of Economical and Technical Co-operation (natural gas, nuclear energy).

4 October 1995: Despite of warning of western experts the nuclear reactor I (near Kosloduj) is reactivated.

30 October 1995: At communal elections the league "Democratic Left" obtains 42% of vote countrywide. It is constituted of: "Alexandar Stambolisjski", Bulgarian Farmer Union (BZSN), Bulgarian Socialist Party and Political Club "Ekoglasnost" (PK).

1 December 1995: Almost unanimously, the parliament declares its willingness to join of European Union and NATO.

1995: "VideoHart" (Soros Center of the Art's annual exhibition) takes place in Sofia.

1995: Foundation of an Institute of Contemporary Art (curator: Maria Vassileva) in Sofia. M. Vassileva is already working on the project of a "Museum of actual Bulgarian Art" in the World Wide Web.
 

1996: Investment of around DM 50 Million granted to newspaper publishing firm (Tschassa) by the WAZ group Essen, Germany.

12 February 1996: Todor Zhikov (communist head of state, government and party: 1954/62/71-80) is acquitted following an appeal trial in Constitutionaly Court.

January-May 1996: Widenov undertakes transformation in his cabinet.

June 1996: President Schelev looses the preliminary elections and his candidacy for presidential elections.

26 June 1996: Abortions record of 120,000 interupted pregnancies within the first five month of 1996 (100,000 legal)
In 1995 officially abortion rate increased to150,000 wheras 72,000 babies were born.

Fall 1996: The SCA’s annual exhibition „Evidences. The Real Diversity" takes place (curated by Genadi Gatev, Kossio Michev, Svilen Stefanov and Houben Tcherkelov).

2 October 1996: Former Prime Minister Andrej Lukanov, inside the Bulgarian Socialist Party the most famous opponent to Petar Stojanov, is shot shortly before presidential elections. The background of his assassination remains unclear.

27 October/3 November 1996: Petar Stojanov (SDS) with his electoral campain promissing western help to end the financial crisis is the winner of the presidential elections with 60% of votes (participation of 63%, than 61,2%). Ivan Marasov (BSP) obtained 27% at first ballot.

4 December 1996: General-strike due to economical crisis (more than one million participant).

21 December 1996: After repeated anti-governmental demonstrations and strikes demanding new elections, resignation of Prime Minister Zhan Videnov as head of government.

24 December 1996: Georgi Parvanov replaces Zhan Videnov as chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party.

30 December 1996: Bulgarian Socialist Party is anewal instructed with the formation of government.

New Year 96/97: Financial crisis that accelerated revision of financial sector leads to a new bank law in June.

1996: "Crossing Over I (CO+)", a small international Festival of video art (and new technologies) takes place in Sofia.

The Ata Centre for Contemporary Art is opended in Sofia.
 

9 January 1997: Violent tensions of last weeks are turning into open revolt: demonstrators occupate the parliament. Monthly inflation in February: 242%.

22 January 1997: Assumption of office of President Petar Stojanov, who is forced to accept new elections.

Early 1997: Iara Boubnova and Maria Vassileva curate Erato’s Version, the first exhibition featuring only female contemporary artists and introducing feminist discourses and issues about the role/status of women in Bulgarian art and society.

4 February 1997: Prime minister candidate Nikolaj Dobrev (nominated by Stojanov and the BSP) clears the way to new elections by not proposing a government (with the consent of his party).

12 February 1997: Interim Cabinet of Stefan Sofijanski (SDS), mayor of Sofia, until the new elections in April 1998.

18 February 1997: Veto of president Stojanov against the reduction of the exclusion clause to 3%.

19 April 1997: Dissolution of the parliament by President Petar Stojanov.

19 April 1997: Election of National Assembly. The Union of Democratic  Forces (ODS, alliance of SDS, Agrar Party, Democratic Party and other small parties) obtains the absolute majority (57 % of the vote: 137 from 240 seats).

Spring 1997: The SCA’s annual exhibition „Ars Ex Natio. Made in BG" takes place (curated by Iara Boubnova and Maria Vassileva), together with the first international conference on contemporary art in Bulgaria.

21 May 1997: Ivan Kostov, economical expert of the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS) is assigned new prime minister. In his investiture declaration he announces accelerated measures of privatisation, the enforcement of principles of economy market, close link to Western-European states and the fight against organised criminality and corruption.
Nadeschda Michailova, 37-year-old deputy chairman of SDS becomes minister of Foreign Affairs.

May 1997: The "Triennial of the International Graphic" takes place in Sofia.

1 July 1997: In term of long and difficult negotiation the new currency board  is established with the objective of general and effective economical stabilisation (1000 Lev are bound to the value of one DM).

End July 1997: New law about former state security service handling is adopted.

22 October 1997: Minister of Internal Affairs publicly reads the names of agents of former Bulgarian state security service "Darjawna Sugurnost" (DS). The opening of the documents specialy discredits the leader of DPS, Ahmed Dogan.

10 December 1997: DPS withdraw its support to the government.

December 1997: The Program 98 concerning the privatisation of national companies comes into effect.

1997: "Crossing Over II (CO++)" is taking place for the second time in Sofia, creating a forum for hosting artists to work with new media technologies.

1997: "Diversion of Erato" (Curator: Maria Vassileva) first exhibition dealing with feministic discourse in Bulgarian's art and society is taking place in Sofia. In Munich (Germany) the exhibition "Bulgariavangarde" takes place (curator: Maria Vassileva).
 

4 June 1998: Bulgaria becomes member of newly founded Black Sea Economic Co-operation Group (BSEC) at a Conference of Black See Region taking place in Yalta.

1 August 1998: As recognition of successfully introduced programme of economical reforms, the IMF grants Bulgaria a credit of US$ 1,6 Million. The convention is linked to a program of economical structural reforms and a ?restructuration of pension and social services.

28 September 1998: Veto of president Stojanov against the newly passed media-law.

18 October 1998: The Union of Democratic Forces (ODS, constituted of 15 parties) reconstitutes itself as unified Partei.
 

February 1999: Bulgaria introduces visa requirement on citizen of 24 countries listed as source of illegal emigration.

Spring 1999: Bulgaria is focus on Leipzig Spring Book Fair (Curator: Alexander Kjossev).

June 1999: Nedko Solakov represents Bulgaria at the Venice Biennial (Commissioner: Iara Boubnova): „Very important announcement. After nearly 30 years of absence from the officially participating countries at the Venice Biennial, the Republic of Bulgaria is proud to announce that it is prepared to properly participate in the next Venice Biennial in the year 2001."

[N.R.]