In a letter to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE), Delyan Peevski, Leader of the MRF, announced the decision of the MRF to terminate its membership in ALDE. MEPs elected by the MRF will be leaving the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament.
The decision was taken after a profound analysis and debate within the party, related to the future and the basic values on which the priorities for development are to be built and pursued. This was also reflected in the programme documents from the National Conference of the MRF held yesterday.
The letter expresses disappointment with the distancing of European liberals from the agenda of the people and their focusing on policies related to individual groups and interests, which do not take into due consideration problems and matters of concern to the people in Europe and Bulgaria.
ALDE also demonstrates a sustained policy of double standards when assessing the processes taking place in Bulgaria. In particular this can be seen in their absence of reaction to the accusations of corruption and abuse of power by Dzheyhan Ibryamov who was arrested while receiving a bribe, Kiril Petkov who ordered the arrest of the leader of the opposition, Asen Vassilev with his contraband schemes in the "Customs" administration, and Ahmed Dogan, who embezzled 30 million from the Bulgarian Development Bank, as well as representatives of parties who form part of the liberal alliance.
ALDE tolerates or at least turns a blind eye to ties with Russia.
These processes of divergence in terms of principles, values and actions did not start today, but in the name of common European values we have demonstrated until the present momentpatience, the letter states. Today, however, we are adamant: for us, the main and only priority are the people, their prosperity, the affirmation of traditional family values and the support for a modern and prosperous Bulgaria and Europe.
The letter goes on to state that the New Beginning for the MRF is not compatible with belonging to ALDE and the Renew Europe group. These two groups are imprisoned in the rigid liberal model of years long gone. The MRF officially declares today that it is terminating its membership in ALDE. MEPs who represent the MRF are leaving the Renew Europe group in the EP. The MRF is terminating its membership in the Liberal International and all related liberal organisations.
