Jelly Zhelev was supposed to turn 90 in 2025. On November 10, we talk about his contribution with Jean Musytelly - former spokesman for François Mitterrand and honorary member of the Council of State of France. He participated in the forum "Jelly Zhelev, the philosopher president. From dissidence to democracy, Europe and shared responsibility", which was held at the French Cultural Institute in Sofia.
DV: What role did Jelly Zhelev play in building today's relations between Bulgaria and France?
Jean Musytelly: Jelly Zhelev played a significant role in building relations that had almost never existed before. During the period when François Mitterrand began to thaw relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, he wanted to restore France's influence. During this period, contacts with Bulgaria, a country that had been ignored until then, had to be restored. In order for this to happen, the appropriate interlocutor was needed. Circumstances led to this person being Zhelyu Zhelev. He managed to build a very strong relationship with President François Mitterrand. Mitterrand himself said that they shared similar views. After a series of meetings, they managed to build a common vision not only on geopolitical issues, but also with regard to the common European home.
DV: What is your strongest memory of Zhelyu Zhelev?
Jean Musitely: I was particularly impressed by a statement by Zhelev in Paris in November 1990. At that moment, we had already buried the Cold War - a moment of enthusiasm in which we all thought that the division of Europe was behind us. Then Zhelyu Zhelev, with his insight, told us: "Yes, this is indeed an important moment. Yes, disarmament has indeed been agreed upon, new opportunities are opening up for the future of Europe. But at the same time, there are also risks, as various forms of nationalism are beginning to revive."
This was proof of his insight, since only months after the conference in question was held - in June 1991 - the war in Yugoslavia broke out. This conflict was a good illustration of the revival of forms of nationalism.
DV: How does Bulgaria look to you today?
Jean Musitely: Today I am no longer in active diplomacy and I have distanced myself. However, based on what I hear about Bulgaria, I think that Zhelyu Zhelev would hardly be satisfied with today's situation if he were alive.
DV: In this regard: Which of his wills should we keep?
Jean Musitely: Let's look for reasonable solutions that allow people to understand and accept political goals. Solutions that allow honest people to unite and live normally according to the rules of democracy. If the situation in Bulgaria is difficult today, I want to remind you that other countries have the same problems, without carrying the same historical burden - the communist regime of the 20th century. Let's take France as an example, where issues are being raised today that did not exist 35 years ago. It is extremely important to mobilize and stand up for democracy together. This is what Zhelyu Zhelev did - in a calm, decisive manner and with a lot of wisdom.
Author: Kiril Ninov