Breaking News: Bulgaria‘s DPS Party Exits ALDE, Withdraws MEPs from ‘Renew Europe’ Group
In a significant politicalmove, the Democrat Party (DPS) in Bulgaria has announced its decision to leave the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), with Bulgarian European Parliament (EP) members withdrawing from the ‘Renew Europe’ group, as per an official letter sent to ALDE.
The move follows a unanimous vote by ‘Renew Europe’ group’s presidency to recommend DPS’s exclusion, citing actions by party leader Delian Peevski that contravene the ‘Magnitsky Act‘. These actions, both within and outside the party, led to the group’s decision, according to a statement from ‘Renew Europe’.
DPS’s decision was made after extensive deliberation and debate within the party, focusing on the party’s future and core values, as outlined in the programmatic documents of the National Conference held yesterday. The party expressed disappointment in ALDE’s divergence from citizens’ daily concerns, instead focusing on policies favoring specific groups.
The letter also criticized ALDE’s inconsistency in addressing issues in Bulgaria, notably the lack of response to corruption allegations against individuals like Jahan Ibraimov, Kiril Petkov, Asen Vasilev, and Ahmed Dogan. Additionally, DPS accused ALDE of tolerating or turning a blind eye to Russia-related ties among its members.
DPS declared its incompatibility with ALDE and ‘Renew Europe’, stating that it would withdraw from ALDE, the ‘Renew Europe’ group in the EP, and all related liberal organizations, including the Liberal International.
This development comes amidst growing political tensions in Bulgaria and raises questions about the future alignment of Bulgarian parties in the European Parliament.
