Alliance for Rights and Freedoms Vows to Be “Corrective Force,” Pushes for Justice, Decentralization, and Reform

MP Hayri Sadakov addresses Parliament, March 11, 2025 (BTA Photo/Vladimir Shokov)

Sofia,

03.09.2025 12:25

(BTA)

The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) declared its intention to be a "corrective force to the government" and "an honest voice for citizens and municipalities that want freedom, not obedience," ARF floor leader Hayri Sadakov told Parliament as he read out a declaration on behalf of the ARF parliamentary group at the opening of the new session of the legislature.

"Bulgaria has no time to waste, and we will not allow it to be buried in political stagnation and cannibalism," Sadakov said. “ARF clearly says 'yes' to integrity, justice, strong and independent institutions, and a fair and European Bulgaria."

He warned that Bulgaria faces deepening political instability and social inequality, and said the lack of long-term vision fuels a sense of uncertainty. "On the one hand, we are part of the European Union and NATO, which give us security and the free choice of democratic opportunities, and on the other, there is domestic political instability and social inequality," the MP noted. The ARF, he added, will work toward restoring trust in institutions, ensuring strong local governance, and reversing the erosion of democratic norms.

"Parliament increasingly resembles a battlefield for deals, not a place for statesmanship," Sadakov said, pointing to rising public distrust, unfair elections, political pressure on regulators, and delayed reforms in the judiciary.

He criticized the government’s energy policy as chaotic, the financial policy as debt-driven with no clear impact, and the continued lack of a coherent climate or industrial strategy. Sadakov also highlighted worsening income inequality, inflation, and deepening regional disparities.

"The municipalities remain entirely dependent on central government,” he said. “No word is being said about decentralization. This turns local governments into hostages of political will."

Sadakov called for an industrial strategy, support for small and medium businesses, tax fairness, real oversight of the Prosecutor General, and educational and healthcare reforms. He emphasized that Bulgaria must take a more proactive role in the EU, NATO, and the Balkans.

"This government has failed in key areas," he concluded. "Billions in EU funds remain blocked, corruption is left uninvestigated, and while parts of the country burn, others suffer from chronic water shortages. We will offer real solutions and support reasonable proposals, whoever makes them. We are committed to being a different kind of opposition."

/NF/