Word: reformers
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...Assembly -- and listened to vicious denunciations of Zhivkov. After installing Mladenov as head of state, the legislature revoked the law that made it an offense to utter words "of a character to create dissatisfaction with the government." Mladenov seemed to be pushing Bulgaria further down the road to political reform when he declared that "personally, I am for free elections...
Still, the once monolithic regime seemed to be of two minds about political reform. Rude Pravo, the official party daily, revealed last week that Prime Minister Ladislav Adamec had urged that "we now need political reforms to go even faster" than economic changes. Adamec added, "The country can be ruled only on condition that its people feel confident about the government." It was a direct contradiction of Jakes' doctrine that economic opiates -- adequate housing, food and clothing -- would numb the populace to the desire for political liberalization. So strong was the whiff of reform in Prague last week that hard...
...regime of Nicolae Ceausescu sought to immunize itself from any hint of change by locking its borders with reformist Hungary. Travelers trying to cross at five border points were turned back, possibly to prevent any disruption of a party Congress this week. With the Soviet Union now encouraging the reforms that felled other hard-line rulers, the tyrannical Ceausescu last week turned to China for support in standing firm. The tide of reform is not likely to reach Bucharest so long as its despotic leader survives. Any Rumanian bold enough to speak out is beaten, harassed or imprisoned. Says Jane...
...large Turkish minority. The racist program raised an international uproar that embarrassed Mladenov, who was then Foreign Minister. Mladenov is believed to have rallied support among the Politburo to stage a civilian coup against Zhivkov. After a decisive vote, the new overlord of Bulgaria quickly adopted the language of reform to rally public support and consolidate power. Despite his stated preference for free elections, Mladenov has said nothing about abandoning the Communists' "leading role." "I don't expect elections with new parties," said Vladimir Kalaidjev, a senior party official. "They will not have the chance to be formed...
...moment their prime target is the hated Zhivkov, who is widely accused of arrogance, corruption and a czarlike accumulation of personal wealth. Said Slavcho Trenski, a Central Committee member: "Bulgaria became a hunting reserve for the President." Communist leaders may buy time and cheer hearts with a modicum of reform, but it is all too possible that they also could be surprised by the chain reaction that arises from the very exhilaration of new freedoms...