site.btaMRF - New Beginning to Hold Rallies under "No to Hatred!" Motto on Tuesday

MRF – New Beginning is organizing rallies around the country under the motto “NO to hatred!” on December 9, the political formation’s press centre announced on Monday. According to the statement, the events are directed against “the political tension instigated by the opposition, the provocations and attempts to destabilize the State on the eve of the most important and final step towards full European integration - the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria - and the thwarting of the adoption of the budget.”

“This is our response to those who are irresponsible towards the future of the people in order to achieve their personal and party ambitions. We will say ‘NO to hatred!’, because a nation torn by hatred, confrontation and division has no chance of success,” MRF – New Beginning added. “And do not forget – the fact that we are different, yet united in defending our kin and Homeland, is the greatest value of democracy! We will say ‘YES’ to stability and security! ‘Yes’ to development and real results for the people,” the statement continues.

The formation provided a list of settlements where rallies are expected to take place: towns Kardzhali, Belitsa, Provadia, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Kyustendil, Lukovit, Montana, Pleven, Asenovgrad, Razgrad, Vetovo, Dulovo, Sliven, Smolyan, Botevgrad, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, Yambol and villages Ruen, Krushari, Sarnitsa.

On November 26 and December 1, Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria organized large-scale protests against the 2026 draft state budget that led to calls for the resignation of the Rosen Zhelyazkov Cabinet. On both dates, many protesters held up signs mocking MRF - New Beginning Floor Leader Delyan Peevski, who was described by the organizers as the person taking the decisions in this Government even though his parliamentary group is not officially part of the governing coalition.  In 2021, he was designated by the United States under the Global Magnitsky Act for corruption and influence peddling. He is challenging the designation in a US court, with his lawyers arguing that there is no evidence of wrongdoing. In 2023, the United Kingdom also sanctioned Peevski for his alleged involvement “in attempts to exert control over key institutions and sectors in Bulgarian society through bribery and the use of his media empire.”

On November 27, Peevski commented on the first protest, saying that "No one will take power through the streets," describing as abnormal for MPs “to be chased from office to office, harassed and told ‘go downstairs’" to meet the protesters. “Do they want me to block Parliament every day and call them downstairs?” the MRF - New Beginning Floor Leader added, arguing that he has no fewer supporters.

After the second protest, he said that “only my supporters can ask for my resignation, and they will continue to give me more and more trust - we all see it,” adding that “everyone has the right to support their parties, but I advise them not to sow hatred - ethnic or against MRF." Peevski argued that "my brothers - Turks, Pomaks, and Roma,” were showed on screens at the protests, adding that he would not allow such things.  “If they sow hatred, they will reap hatred. I warn them not to divide people,” he said. Asked where he saw an insult, Peevski replied, “Watch - they showed it.”