The June Uprising

On 9 June 1923, a coup in Bulgaria removed the government of the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union (BANU). Aleksandar Tsankov's government took power, backed by the army and almost all parties except the BCP and BANU, but without broad popular support. Many people across the country who opposed the new regime rose in armed rebellion. Participation was greatest in Pleven and the surrounding villages. Soon afterwards, Asen Halachev, leader of the local BCP organisation, launched the uprising in the Pleven region. Lovech was then besieged by 2,000 insurgents. The wave of rebellion spread through the Lukovit and Nikopol districts and later those of Shumen and Targovishte. Insurgent actions were smaller in the regions of Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Burgas, Haskovo and Kyustendil.

Despite widespread insurgent activity, the revolt was suppressed everywhere. Government terror began in the areas where rebellions had taken place.