site.btaAlliance for Rights and Freedoms Honorary Chair: I Cannot Imagine Our Community without Parliamentary Representation

Speaking at a campaign event in Kardzhali, Alliance for Rights and Freedoms Honorary Chair Ahmed Dogan has said that he “cannot imagine our community without representation in Parliament.” ”That would be very harmful to its development and security,” he added, as quoted by the party’s press office on Thursday.

He said that voting in the elections has direct implications for the future and security of the community, noting that the outcome goes beyond the party’s parliamentary presence. Dogan said that over the past 35–36 years, the community has grown accustomed to having its own representation in the National Assembly - something that has played a key role in its development.

Dogan called on supporters to turn out in large numbers. “I urge you to be active,” he said. 

He also commented on developments within the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, referring to remarks by Emin Balkan from Bal-Goc, who described the party as having been taken over by a “mafia organization.” Dogan argued that those behind what was described as an inner-party coup were not long-standing members, but individuals who had joined shortly before the party conference. “This was orchestrated and did not happen in one or two years,” he said.

The Honorary Chair also offered self-criticism over his stepping down, describing it as a mistake driven by his desire to make way for a younger generation. In his words, the MRF subsequently evolved into a more administrative structure - a locally anchored political network.