The_return_of_Simeon_II_.282001-2005.29 History_of_Bulgaria_since_1989

simeon saxe-coburg-gotha last king of bulgaria, serving 1943 1946. half century later, served prime minister 2001 2005.

in 2001, simeon saxe-coburg-gotha (bulgarian: Симеон Сакскобурготски, simeon sakskoburgotski), son of tsar boris iii of bulgaria, had fled socialist bulgaria nine-year-old boy in 1946, became prime minister of bulgaria. several years prior that, in 1996, had visited bulgaria family of 2 princes , princess , when announced come homeland form new political party. several years later, sakskoburggotski formed national movement simeon ii (ndsv) , swept away both major parties in elections of june 2001 landslide victory. prime minister, followed strong , strictly pro-western course, result of bulgaria joined nato in 2004 , european union in 2007. economic , political conditions visibly improved, although economic growth not high expected , unemployment , emigration remained high. problematic areas remained corruption, health care, organized crime (though scaled down), , higher education, need massively reformed.