site.btaAlliance for Rights and Freedoms Applies for Registration as Political Party

The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) submitted its registration documents as a political party to the Sofia City Court, the party said on its Facebook page on Friday. The application was filed by ARF co-chairpersons Hayri Sadakov, Sevim Ali, Taner Ali and Dimitar Nikolov, as well as by MP Hyusni Adem.

The ARF emerged in 2024 as one of two factions of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). It remained loyal to Ahmed Dogan, until then honorary chairman of the MRF, who had founded the party in 1990, in the first months of post-communist Bulgaria. The other faction created after the 2024 split became today's MRF-New Beginning, headed by Delyan Peevski. The ARF has been the name of the parliamentary group of Dogan's supporters. On November 15, 2025, this name was also given to Dogan's new party, which held its constituent meeting in Sofia.

In connection with Friday's application, the ARF said in a statement that its registration as a political party "is an expression of a clear political will to build a modern, democratic and responsible party that will consistently uphold human rights and freedoms, equality for all Bulgarian citizens and the protection of human dignity." The party said that with this step, it is taking "an important step towards its institutional consolidation and full participation in Bulgaria’s political life as an independent political actor."

"Our aim is to restore normality in political life, free state institutions from dependencies and backroom influence, and genuinely strengthen the rule of law. A particular priority for us is the active involvement of young people in political and public life as a necessary precondition for the renewal of democracy and for the country's sustainable development," the ARF added.

It pledged to work for building strong local structures and pursue policies close to citizens, and to create effective statutory safeguards for the genuine implementation of constitutionally proclaimed rights and freedoms. The party also declared firm support for the irreversibility of democratic processes and for Bulgaria’s European path.