site.btaUPDATED Rallies Initiated by MRF-New Beginning Held in Support of Government Across Bulgaria

MRF-New Beginning held rallies across Bulgaria on Tuesday evening, under the motto "No to Hatred!" in defence of Bulgaria's democracy, security and stability. In a statement on Monday, the party said the rallies were 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".

Participants in the rallies sent a message that the members of MRF-New Beginning are are in favour of goodness and respect, and want to live with mutual understanding and dignity, BTA's correspondents reported. Demonstrators voiced support for Bulgaria's European path, democracy, peace and equal rights for all Bulgarian citizens, calling for political stability, regular governance and a rejection of hate speech. Many stressed their desire for unity and understanding, with young people saying they want to stay in Bulgaria and say "no" to division and hatred. In some places the rallies ended with Bulgarian folk dances.

Speakers at the rallies included MPs of MRF-New Beginning, mayors and leaders of the party's regional chapters.

In the northeastern town of Razgrad, MRF-New Beginning Deputy Chairman Halil Letifov, who is also the parliamentary group's Deputy Floor Leader, said the party will continue to support the government as long as it works for the people. Although not part of the ruling majority and holding no ministerial posts, MRF-New Beginning backs stability in Bulgaria and promotes peace and dialogue, calling for the rejection of hate speech and political confrontation, he said. Letifov stressed the party is an integral part of the Bulgarian nation - a statement heard at many MRF rallies on Tuesday - and will work to reduce social tensions while seeking common political solutions through dialogue.

In the northern town of Pleven, MRF-New Beginning member Vasil Petkov, municipal councillor and deputy chairman of the Pleven Municipal Council, said people were gathering neither for a party rally nor for a protest, but for a rally of the citizens of Pleven Region. The idea of the event is to say "No to hatred towards institutions", referring to the police, fire services, teachers and doctors. People were carrying slogans that read "Bulgaria is one. Do not divide us" and "Bulgaria's path is the European Union and NATO".

Citizens also gathered for rallies initiated by MRF-New Beginning in towns including Asenovgrad, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lukovit, Montana, Shumen, Sliven, Smolyan, Targovishte, Veliko Tarnovo, Vetovo, Vidin, Vratsa and Yambol. A protest supported by GERB also took place in the southern town of Stara Zagora. Other towns and villages that saw rallies take place included Belitsa, Krushari, Provadia, Ruen, Sarnitsa and Vetovo.

Mayor Ivan Gavalyugov banned the holding of a rally in the western town of Botevgrad on the grounds that there is no active MRF-New Beginning structure there. He said Botevgrad residents were indignant that supporters from other towns and villages would participate in the event, creating the wrong impression that the local community is showing authentic support. The mayor also expressed concern that a large counter-protest could pose a serious risk of provocations, rising tensions, and even physical clashes between protesters and their opponents.