Statement by the Movement for Rights and Freedoms
The MRF and Mr. Delyan Peevski have yet again been the victims of false statements and outright lies. Members of the ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, and media syndicate 'Capital', which is owned by the oligarch Ivo Prokopiev, are seeking to smear and tarnish the reputations of the MRF and Mr. Peevski.
Their allegation that the MRF is somehow linked to gas pipeline projects such as South Stream or TurkStream are outright lies - plain and simple. These attempts by our political opponents to sway public opinion by linking Russia to the MRF are doomed to fail.
Throughout the period of Bulgaria's democratisation, the MRF has been recognised as a reliable party who seeks to advance and defend Bulgaria's national interests. The MRF's strident defence of liberalism and of Euro-Atlantic values is not only testament to our movement's goals but is also respected by our partners in Europe and around the world. The MRF is a reputable member of the Liberal International and the Renew Group (formerly the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe).
People across Bulgaria understand the crucial role that the MRF has played in the development of democratic processes, Bulgaria's Euro-Atlantic values, the safeguarding of fundamental human rights, and the protection of ethnic harmony. There has never been any doubt regarding the MRF's positions on these issues.
From 1991 onwards, the MRF firmly supported Bulgaria's path toward NATO and European membership. This has consistently been the MRF's policy for over 30 years. The MRF were a governing party when Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007, enthusiastically supporting these processes.
Staying true to the party's core values, the MRF has consistently advocated that the National Assembly condemn Russia's military aggression and violation of international law in its abuse of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Any attempts by politicians or media oligarchs to spread misinformation and distort the truth, in order to link the MRF to non-existent outside influences, will not accomplish their malignant aims.
Despite the clear attempts of the politicians and oligarchs to strengthen Russia in Bulgaria and destabilise relations with our Western partners, we assure our opponents that the MRF will remain resolute and steadfast in our resistance to Russia and its influence.
