Georgi Parvanov
This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. (October 2011) This article is outdated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2014) Georgi Parvanov Георги Първанов 4th President of Bulgaria In office 22 January 2002 – 22 January 2012 Prime Minister Simeon Sakskoburggotski Sergei Stanishev Boyko Borisov Vice President Angel Marin Preceded by Petar Stoyanov Succeeded by Rosen Plevneliev Personal details Born Georgi Sedefchov Parvanov (1957-06-28) 28 June 1957 (age 57) Sirishtnik, Bulgaria Political party Communist Party (Before 1990) Socialist Party (1990–2002; 2012–2014) Independent (2002–2012) Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (2002–present) Spouse(s) Zorka Petrova Children Vladimir Ivaylo Alma mater Sofia University Signature Georgi Sedefchov Parvanov (Bulgarian: Георги Седефчов Първанов, IPA: [ɡɛˈɔrɡi pɐrˈvanof]) (born 28 June 1957) was President of Bulgaria from 2002 to 2012. He was elected after defeating the incumbent Petar Stoyanov in the second round of the November 2001 presidential election, and he took office on 22 January 2002. He was reelected in a landslide victory in 2006, becoming the first Bulgarian president to serve two terms. Parvanov was a supporter of Bulgaria's membership in NATO and the European Union. According to Bulgarian law, a Bulgarian president is not allowed to be a member of a political party, thus Parvanov left the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) after his election in 2001. Although he identified as a socialist, Parvanov often called himself a 'social president'.[citation needed] After completing his second term as President, Parvanov returned to the Socialist Party, prompting a dispute over the party leadership. In January 2014 Parvanov restarted his Alternative for Bulgarian Revival (ABV) project, announcing he would be fielding his own candidates for the 2014 European parliamentary elections. As a result, Parvanov is no longer a member of the Socialist Party.