site.btaNovember 4, 1945: Communist Leader Georgi Dimitrov Clandestinely Returns to Bulgaria After 22 Years in Exile

On November 4, 1945, communist leader Georgi Dimitrov clandestinely returns to Bulgaria after 22 years in exile.

Georgi Dimitrov was born in the village of Kovachevtsi and moved to Sofia with his family when he was four years old. In 1902, he joined the Bulgarian Workers Social Democratic Party. He proclaimed and participated in the 1923 September Uprising, after which he fled into exile first to Yugoslavia and then to Austria. He worked for the Comintern, serving as head of its Western European bureau from 1929 to 1933. In March 1933, Dimitrov and other communists were accused of setting fire to the Reichstag. During the Leipzig trial, he defended himself in such a way as to arouse sympathy and support around the world, defending the Bulgarian people against harsh attacks and emphasizing their historical achievements and his own pride in being Bulgarian. Although he was acquitted, he had been stripped of his Bulgarian citizenship and so accepted Soviet citizenship, living in Moscow for many years. During the Second World War, he directed the activities of the Bulgarian Communist Party from Moscow. 

On November 4, 1945, Georgi Dimitrov returned to his home country after 22 years of exile. His arrival was kept secret and only the Head of the Soviet Military Mission in Bulgaria, Sergey Biryuzov, welcomed him at Sofia Airport. His first public appearance came on November 7 when he gave a speech in front of the National Theatre, harshly criticizing the anti-communist opposition in the country and speaking on the anniversary of the October Revolution. Dimitrov became Prime Minister of Bulgaria in November 1946, a position he held until his death. During his time in power, the country underwent radical changes, including the nationalization of industry, agrarian reform, forced industrialization and the establishment of a socialist system based on the Soviet model. At the same time, a cult of personality surrounding Dimitrov began to develop in the typical Stalinist manner.

Following is the Information Bulletin from the Bulgarian News Agency’s Information Service, from November 7, 1945:

The Celebration of the October Revolution. The Arrival of Georgi Dimitrov.

Yesterday afternoon, the celebration of the October Socialistic Revolution took place in Sofia, in the National Theater. It coincided with the happiness of the Bulgarian Nation on the arrival of Georgi Dimitrov – the founder of the Fatherland Front.

Early in the afternoon, people from all parts of Sofia began to crowd before the National Theater, bearing flags, posters and slogans. A great improvised meeting took place, in which several thousands of citizens participated. 

Shortly before 5 o’clock there arrived the National Regents, who were welcomed by frenetic applause. At 5 o'clock there appeared Georgi Dimitrov. Those present welcomed with ovations the first appearance of Georgi Dimitrov before the citizens of Sofia. The public rose up and greeted him, shouting “Long live Georgi Dimitrov!”. Indescribable was the happiness of the citizens at seeing among them the brave fighter against fascism, glorified throughout the world, the great Bulgarian, inspirer of the resistance movement against the German occupiers, the founder and guide of the Fatherland Front.

The scene was decorated with the Bulgarian, Soviet, American and British national Flags, with the banners of the Fatherland Front parties and with beautiful autumn flowers. The busts of Lenin and Stalin were placed there, together with the portraits of Stalin, Truman, Attlee, Marshal Tito, Georgi Dimitrov, Kimon Georgiev and Alexander Stamboliisky. Huge slogan posters were placed above the portraits.