10 Facts About Vasil Radoslavov

Vasil Hristov Radoslavov was a leading Bulgarian liberal politician who twice served as prime minister.

Vasil Radoslavov became a political figure in 1884 when he was appointed Minister of Justice in the cabinet of Petko Karavelov, holding the position under Archbishop Kliment Turnovski.

Vasil Radoslavov succeeded Karavelov as prime minister in 1886 and being aged 32 years, was the youngest person to have ever been Prime Minister of Bulgaria.

Vasil Radoslavov was noted for his strong support for friendship with Austria-Hungary.

Vasil Radoslavov returned to government in 1899 as Minister for Internal Affairs in the government of Todor Ivanchov, although after this he remained out of office until 1913 when he returned as prime minister.

Vasil Radoslavov secured a large loan from Germany and Austria-Hungary in July 1914 but managed to delay Bulgarian entry into the War.

Vasil Radoslavov's popularity fell after Bulgaria officially entered the War with money and resources now directed fully to the war effort.

Vasil Radoslavov's government remained in office until June 1918, when the more moderate Aleksandar Malinov was recalled in the hope of brokering a favourable peace deal, with Radoslavov blamed for the failure of Bulgaria to gain full control of Northern Dobruja in the Treaty of Bucharest.

Vasil Radoslavov fled Bulgaria after the war, going into exile in Germany.

Vasil Radoslavov was pardoned in 1929, the same year in which he died whilst still in exile in Berlin, Weimar Republic, on 21 October.