site.btaAlliance for Rights and Freedoms Wants Caretaker Cabinet of Experts and Professionals Unconnected to Status Quo Parties

Sevim Ali, Deputy Floor Leader of the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF), said the caretaker cabinet should be made up of experts and professional unconnected to the status quo parties.

Interviewed by Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday, Ali said the public is focused on resolving two key issues: the rising prices of staple foods and electricity, and the Petrohan violent deaths case.

Asked if Ahmed Dogan would take part in the ARF election campaign, Ali said the honorary chairman had never ceased to be active in the party's political life. "We will continue to rely on his support and vision in the upcoming parliamentary elections. As to whether he will personally run - most likely yes, but we will see," the MP said.

He also said an ARF Central Council meeting scheduled for February 20 will decide whether the party will run in the elections independently or in coalition.

Sevim Ali expressed hope that the President's veto on limiting the number of voting sections outside the EU will prevail. He said the changes restrict fundamental civil and political rights enshrined in the Constitution for Bulgarians living abroad.

On February 11, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova imposed a suspensory veto on amendments to the Election Code that limit to 20 the number of voting sections in any country which is not an EU Member State, not counting the voting sections at Bulgarian embassies and consulate. The revisions in question, moved by Vazrazhdane, were passed conclusively by Parliament on February 5.