His rule was marked by the consolidation of the Stalinist model, rapid industrialisation, collectivisation and large-scale persecution of political opponents.

In 1954, Chervenkov accepted the Soviet model of collective leadership and handed over his post as party leader to Todor Zhivkov.

The government also released a large number of political prisoners and directed its economic policy towards improving living standards rather than accelerating industrialization.

Shortly afterwards, Bulgarian leader Georgi Dimitrov died and Bulgaria temporarily adopted a model of collective leadership.

[5] Although Chervenkov's personality cult model was similar to that of Stalin - various places were named after him like the Medical University in Sofia and one of the city's districts.

[11] The official approval of Dimitar Dimov's novel Tobacco marked a slight loosening of Party control over cultural activities.

In 1953, formal relations with Greece and Yugoslavia were re-established, some political amnesties were granted, and planners discussed increasing production of consumer goods and reducing the prices of commodities.

In 1962, Chervenkov was expelled from the communist party for "anti-party activities", although his membership was renewed in 1969 by a suggestion from Zhivkov in the context of the Soviet crushing of the Prague Spring.

The communist party did not inform immediately about his death and forbade huge groups of mourners, fearing that such a ceremony may evolve into a protest against the Zhivkov rule.