Dobri Bozhilov
Dobri Bozhilov | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Kotel, Bulgaria |
| Died | February 1, 1945 (aged 60) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, banker |
| Years active | 1902–1945 |
| Known for | Prime Minister of Bulgaria during World War II; Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank; Minister of Finance |
Dobri Bozhilov Khadzhiyanakev () (June 13, 1884 – February 1, 1945) held the office of Prime Minister of Bulgaria throughout the period of World War II.
Biography
Originating from Kotel, Bozhilov completed his studies at the Higher Commercial School in Svishtov before embarking on his professional journey at the Bulgarian National Bank in 1902. His career spanned over three decades, during which he served multiple terms as governor of the bank (1922-1923, 1923-1924, 1931-1932, 1934-1935, 1935-1938, and 1944).
In November 1938, Bozhilov assumed the position of Minister of Finance under Prime Minister Georgi Kyoseivanov, a role he maintained when Bogdan Filov took office as prime minister in 1940. After the death of Tsar Boris III in 1943, Filov—who was aligned with Nazi Germany—appointed Bozhilov to lead the government as prime minister.
During his premiership, Bozhilov closely supported German policies amid the war but notably opposed Nazi efforts to deport Bulgaria's Jewish citizens to extermination camps. He stepped down in June 1944 as the Axis powers' influence waned and returned to head the Bulgarian National Bank.
Following the Soviet invasion in September 1944 and the establishment of a Communist-supported regime, Bozhilov was detained, prosecuted for alleged war crimes and misconduct related to his term as finance minister, sentenced to death, and executed in February 1945. The Supreme Court later annulled his conviction in 1996.