Todor Zhivkov was a Bulgarian communist leader who lived from 1911 to 1998. He held party and state offices, which were distinct roles. In 1962–1971 he was prime minister, head of the government. He then chaired the Council of State, the collective head of state. On 10 November 1989 the BCP Central Committee accepted his resignation as general secretary, the highest party post. His state office ended on 17 November. The party leadership’s decision was not a direct election by citizens. His replacement was one event within the longer change in the rules of government during 1989–1991.
History of Bulgaria
