MRF parliamentary group expels 17 MPs, no longer the second largest group in Parliament (update)

The parliamentary group of the Movement of Rights and Freedoms (MRF) on July 11 decided to expel 17 MPs, including one of MRF's two chairpersons Dzhevdet Chakarov. The others are Alizan Yahova, Andzhey Dzhandev, Valentin Tonchev, Edis Daudov, Erduan Mehmed, Esheref Esheref, Levent Memish, Mario Rangelov, Mehmed Salim, Pavlin Krastev, Sevim Ali, Timur Halilov, Fatme Ramadan, Habibe Rasim, Hayri Sadakov and Yusein Veyselov.

Twenty-five MPs voted for, with no votes against and no abstentions.

Before the expulsion of the 17 MPs, the parliamentary group of the MRF had 44 MPs and was the group with second largest share of representatives in Bulgaria’s 50th Parliament.

As the second largest group in Parliament, MRF was supposed to receive the second mandate to seek to form a government.

Now the ­second largest parliamentary group becomes the one of "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria".

Later on July 11, another MP left the parliamentary group of MRF. Shortly after Deputy Speaker Rositsa Kirova announced that 17 MPs were expelled from the group, including one of the chairmen - Jevdet Chakarov, it was announced from the Speaker's rostrum that Ahmed Vranchev was also leaving the group.

Last week, the expelled MPs published an open letter in which they said that they were for "unity and togetherness" of the MRF under the leadership of the honorary chairman and founder of MRF, Ahmed Dogan.

Earlier, Ramadan Atalay, Dzheyhan Ibryamov and Aysel Rufad were expelled from the MRF group. Filiz Hyusmenova resigned as MP for Varna.

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After the conflict between Dogan and Peevski was also declared in writing through sharp addresses last night - today - the parliamentary group of MRF split. Thus, MRF will miss the opportunity to get the second mandate to form a government and it will go to “We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria”.

Just a month ago, MRF entered the 50th Parliament with 47 MPs, became the second laregst parliamentary force and reported this as a great success. After the first tremors in the MRF, however, three MPs were expelled, and today 17 more - those who met with Ahmed Dogan. Two others left of their own volition. Thus, the result of the split being 22 to 25 MPs.

Twenty-four hours ago, MRF honorary chair and founder, Ahmed Dogan, made it clear that he does not approve of Delyan Peevski's leadership style. He demanded his resignation and noted that for the first time since its establishment MRF used thuggish approaches to threaten people with the prosecution and police services. For his part, Peevski vowed that he was making a new start, but what it was would be seen soon.

Thus, the implosion in the MRF is already changing the overall political process and putting the parliamentary forces and institutions in a new reality. As well as what will be the outcome of the crisis with the formation of a government and even what would be the results of an expected early elections.

The clashes in the MRF are becoming more and more serious. The first: between Peevski and Dogan. The second one - between the two chairmen of the MRF - Peevski and Chakarov. According to Ahmed Dogan, the honorary chairman of the MRF, there was an attempt for an internal coup. Dogan last night demanded Peevski's resignation.

Almost immediately, Peevski responded by saying that he and Dogan know each other too well, and they both know what the truth is. And added that no one can stop the new beginning.

The result of all this today: 17 MPs were expelled from the MRF parliamentary group today, two others left it on their own. Speaking on BNT’s programme "More of the day", Jevdet Chakarov said that he expected more MPs to leave the parliamentary group of the MRF. The result: from being second largest group in Bulgaria’s 50th Parliament, MRF now is the fourth political force. For the time being.