Konstantin Stoilov
Konstantin Stoilov (Bulgarian: Константин Стоилов) (September 23, 1853 - March 23, 1901) was a leading Bulgarian politician and twice Prime Minister. Simeon Radev described him as the most European-like of all Bulgarian politicians.[1]
Born in Plovdiv, Stoilov studied at Robert College in Istanbul, before studying law at Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg to doctorate level.[1] Whilst in Germany he became a Freemason.[2]
A career politician with the Bulgarian Conservative Party, and later his own Popular Party[1], he held a number of government portfolios including Foreign Minister, Law Minister and Interior Affairs Minister. His first reign as Prime Minister lasted only for a brief spell in 1887. He returned in 1894 to preside over a longer ministry, which was characterized by increasing toleration for the activities of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization[3] as well as fairer treatment of the Jews (as a lawyer, Stoilov had successfully defended the Jews of Vratsa from allegations of blood libel in 1890[4]). Stoilov's government faced a campaign of criticism from sections of the press as organised by his main political opponent Stefan Stambolov and as a consequence the Stoilov administration enacted legislation against Stambolov, notably sequestering his land for state use and abolishing the pensions paid to former government ministers.[5] The Stoilov-led coalition remained in office until 1899 when a series of liberal administrations began. He remained an important figure in Bulgarian politics until his death.
References
- ^ a b c Profile of Stoilov
- ^ HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY IN BULGARIA (Part I - from the First references to 1941)
- ^ The Macedonian Issue
- ^ Saving the Bulgarian Jews in World War II
- ^ S.G. Evans, A Short History of Bulgaria, London, Lawrence and Wishart, 1960, p. 141
External links
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