site.btaChakarov Steps Down as MRF Leader Following Reconciliation Meeting with Peevski, MRF - New Beginning Says

Delyan Peevski, Chair of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and Floor Leader of the MRF – New Beginning parliamentary group conferred with Dzhevdet Chakarov, Floor Leader of the Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF) parliamentary group, MRF – New Beginning said in a press release on Tuesday. The two leaders held a deep and constructive conversation, during which they agreed that the chapter of division and confrontation that has marked the past months must be closed. Both emphasized that the people, and resolving their problems, must remain the central objective of every political party and formation. As such, MRF must emerge united and stronger than ever from this crisis, the press release further said.

"Unity in the name of the people and the integrity of the party is the only path that can ensure the fulfilment of all commitments and expectations placed by voters," the statement continued. To make this possible, Chakarov is stepping down as MRF Chair, the press release said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Cassation is expected to rule within the required time limit on the case regarding the Sofia City Court’s refusal to enter changes on the MRF record in the register of political parties. The motion, submitted by Chakarov, was for the striking off of Delyan Peevski as member of the MRF party, chair of the party, and member of the MRF Central Operational Bureau and the MRF Central Council.

Delyan Peevski and Dzhevdet Chakarov were the two chairmen of the MRF until it split in July 2024 into two factions, one loyal to MRF founder and honorary chairman Ahmed Dogan and another led by Peevski. Peevski and his supporters were expelled from the MRF on August 27, 2024. Peevski dismissed the decision as "contrary to the Statute". In turn, Peevski's faction, which calls itself MRF New Beginning, expelled Dogan and his faithful from the party on November 16, 2024.