Biography
Rosen Asenov Plevneliev was born on May 14, 1964, in Gotse Delchev, a town in southwestern Bulgaria near the Greek border. He attended the Technical University of Sofia, where he gained the engineering skills that would later shape his business and political careers. After graduating, Plevneliev became a successful entrepreneur in the construction and real estate sectors, creating companies that played important roles in Bulgaria's post-communist economy.
Plevneliev entered politics through the GERB party (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria), founded by Boyko Borisov. When GERB won the 2009 parliamentary elections, Plevneliev was appointed as Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, drawing on his experience in construction and infrastructure. From 2009 to 2011, he managed major infrastructure projects and worked on regional development across Bulgaria.
In 2011, Plevneliev was chosen as GERB's candidate for the Bulgarian presidency. Running on a platform focused on European integration, economic modernization, and institutional reform, he won the presidential election and took office in January 2012. His presidency, which lasted until 2017, included efforts to strengthen Bulgaria's role in the European Union and NATO while dealing with domestic political issues like government instability and public protests.
During his presidency, Plevneliev was honored with several international awards for his diplomatic work and contributions to European cooperation. These included the Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer from Greece, among others. He is married to Yuliyana Plevnelieva, and together they have been involved in various social and cultural activities. After his presidency ended in 2017, Plevneliev has stayed active in discussions about European affairs and democratic governance.
Before Fame
Growing up in Gotse Delchev during the communist era, Plevneliev experienced the economic and social limitations of the socialist system. He studied engineering at Sofia's top university, which prepared him for the opportunities that came after Bulgaria's shift to democracy in 1989.
When communism fell, new possibilities for entrepreneurship appeared, and Plevneliev took advantage of the growing need for modern construction and real estate development. His business success during Bulgaria's move to a market economy built his reputation and paved the way for his move into politics with the new GERB party.
Key Achievements
- Served as President of Bulgaria from 2012 to 2017
- Held position of Minister of Regional Development and Public Works from 2009 to 2011
- Built successful construction and real estate business empire during Bulgaria's post-communist transition
- Received multiple international diplomatic honors including orders from Germany, Greece, Poland, and Portugal
- Promoted Bulgaria's European integration and strengthened international diplomatic relations during presidency
Did You Know?
- 01.He was the first Bulgarian president to have a background in private business rather than academia or career politics
- 02.During his presidency, he refused to live in the official presidential residence, choosing instead to remain in his private home
- 03.He speaks five languages: Bulgarian, English, German, Russian, and Spanish
- 04.His hometown of Gotse Delchev was renamed in 1950 after a Macedonian revolutionary leader, having previously been called Nevrokop
- 05.He was awarded the Order of the Republic by his successor, President Rumen Radev, in 2016 despite their political differences
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Order of the Republic | 2016 | — |
| Honor of Nation Order | — | — |
| Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross | 2016 | — |
| Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany | 2016 | — |
| Decoration for Exceptional Merits | 2016 | — |
| National Maltese Order of Merit | — | — |
| Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer | 2012 | — |
| Order of the White Eagle (Third Polish Republic) | 2014 | — |
| Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry | 2014 | — |
| Order of Makarios III | 2016 | — |
| Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class | 2016 | — |
| Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary (civil) | — | — |
| Collar of the Order of the Star of Romania | 2016 | — |
| Grand Order of King Tomislav | 2016 | — |
| Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic | — | — |
| Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria | — | — |
| Order of the Redeemer | — | — |
| Grand Cross of the Order of the White Double Cross | 2015 | — |
| Prize for European Regional Integration | 2015 | — |