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Professor Elka Konstantinova dies at the age of 90


Professor Elka Konstantinova has died at the age of 90. She was a prominent Bulgarian writer, literature scholar and politician, a person with significant contribution to the development of Bulgarian culture. Professor Elka Konstantinova was born in the family of literary critic Georgi Konstantinov. She graduated from the St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia, majoring in Bulgarian language and literature. Between 1979 and 1982, she was a guest lecturer in Bulgarian language and literature at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. She also worked with students at the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts.

After November 10, 1989, when the country took the path of democracy, Professor Elka Konstantinova played an active role in Bulgarian politics. She was one of the leaders of the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS) and its member between 1989 and 1993. She was the first leader of the Radical Democratic Party (December 1989- June 1993). Professor Elka Konstantinova was an MP in the 7th Grand National Assembly that adopted the current Bulgarian Constitution. She was also one of the 39 MPs who went on hunger strike to protest against the new Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria.


Professor Elka Konstantinova was Culture Minister in the Philip Dimitrov government between November 8, 1991, and December 30, 1992. Between 1993 and 1997 she was culture attache in the Bulgarian Embassy in Poland. In 1998, Elka Konstantinova was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

Professor Elka Konstantinova authored a number of books dedicated to prominent Bulgarian artists. She is a laureate of the Graviton Award in science fiction established by prominent Bulgarian science-fiction writer Lyuben Dilov. She was also awarded “The Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland” for her merits in strengthening the Bulgaria-Poland cultural ties. In May 2012, Elka Konstantinova was awarded the "Order of St. St. Cyril and Methodius" of Bulgaria's head of state.

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