site.btaMRF Files Papers with Central Election Commission to Register Independently for April 19 Elections

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) party Monday submitted papers to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to register for the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19.

“We registered independently as a party, submitting a petition signed by 12,222 supporters. This is an expression of support and recognition for our work over the past few months. It is an expression of the readiness of all party structures to work toward the elections and, above all, it is an expression of the willingness to maintain an effective dialogue between our party and the people who want to be part of that dialogue,” said Iskra Mihaylova, deputy leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms and Deputy Floor Leader of MRF - New Beginning. “We are setting out with confidence — people understand us, people support us. We will run a positive campaign focused on a positive future for Bulgaria,” she added.

Asked what kind of campaign they expect, given that the government fell after thousands took to the streets in protest, Mihaylova said the party were approaching the race with a positive mindset. “People’s problems should not be exaggerated for speculation — they must be solved. That is our approach,” she said.

“There is no politician who does not hear the voice of Bulgarian citizens. The question is whether some politicians listen selectively. We do not, because we heard the thousands — the tens and hundreds of thousands — who said: ‘We want stability’,” Mihaylova noted.

Responding to a question about concerns that the People’s Store chain could be closed, Mihaylova said that if caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov decides to close the stores, she wishes him success in his future endeavors. “The People's Store is a successful initiative. The stores are operating, people shop there, and they were designed as a long-term programme. If someone tries to speculate with them, that is their problem,” she said.

Mihaylova also commented on Vazrazhdane's request for an urgent sitting of the National Assembly over escalating tensions in the Middle East and questions about the whereabouts of MRF leader Delyan Peevski. “There was a statement by our leader, Delyan Peevski, who is here and in excellent health. He sends his regards and wishes everyone success. He has already stated that in a situation like this, only unity and a sense of responsibility can help shape a clear position for Bulgaria,” Mihaylova said. “He is a statesman and thinks like a statesman. He insists that Bulgaria's position is defined, and we stand behind his words,“ she added.