MRF Demonstrations in Support of Government Held in Dozens of Towns across Bulgaria

Demonstrations organised by the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) in support of the government took place in dozens of towns across Bulgaria, beginning at 18:00 on December 9.

In Razgrad, citizens from across the Ludogorie region gathered at “Vazrazhdane” Square to express their support for a stable government.

Ahmed, a participant, said: "They are striking only to sit on the chair. Division is not good at all. I think everyone should be equal."

Under the sounds of Emil Dimitrov’s song “My Country, My Bulgaria”, demonstrators declared their opposition to repeated elections and called for a stable government and guarantees for democracy. They voiced their rejection of chaos, hatred, and street coups.

Eliz added: “Our stance is for a stable Bulgaria, for order, security, and work. We don’t want chaos, we don’t want elections.”

Belitsa was dubbed the “capital of togetherness” by participants at a MRF-organised rally. Attendees held banners reading “No to street coups, violence, and hatred”, calling for peace and calm.

Radoslav Revanski, deputy chairman of MRF and mayor of Belitsa municipality: “No to anarchy. Young people will lose the most if there is anarchy and no government. We do not want to be divided – Sofia residents, people from Yakoruda, Belitsa, and Garmen – we are all Bulgarian citizens. And the handful of charlatans from We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria and around Radev trying to spread hatred – we will answer with love. To stones, we respond with flowers; to hatred, with love.”

In Kardzhali, the rally “In Defence of State Stability and in Support of the Government” took place at “Osvobozhdenie” Square, complete with a special stage. Participants expressed support for MRF leader Delyan Peevski and local mayors, emphasising the need to restore dialogue in the country.

“I’ve come here with a peaceful and clear purpose. I support Peevski – that’s it.”

“My main support is for the mayor. That’s it. The new mayor – what he has done for the city over the past two years – is visible. We haven’t seen this in a long time.”

“I’m here to show that dialogue can be restored in Bulgaria.”

Thousands of residents from across Burgas District also took to the streets in Ruen. Demonstrators called for the state budget to be approved and stressed that destabilisation must be avoided.

"We are for a stable and working state. Now is a bad time for mass protests. We want a government."

The rally in Shumen was also well attended, with participants from municipalities governed by MRF. They called for functional institutions and a stable government.

“One step away from entering the Eurozone, we do not need elections. There have already been too many elections.”

“We are all equal, so there should be no hatred. It doesn’t matter whether we are Turks, Pomaks, Roma, or Bulgarians.”

“Unity, mutual respect, and looking in the same direction – that’s when things happen. That is the problem with the people from WCC–DB, because they see how, over the past year, rapid development has occurred in all municipalities in Bulgaria. People want to see it, to walk on asphalt, and they trust deeds.”

“We have stated peacefully but firmly that no one can divert our homeland, Bulgaria, from its Euro-Atlantic path. That democracy has no alternative, and only through their vote can people grant or withdraw power – at elections, as the Constitution dictates. That power is a responsibility to the people. Today we said ‘NO to hatred!’ and ‘YES to democracy!’ All of Bulgaria has seen how positive and united we are. I sincerely thank each and every one of you. Today our conduct has given everyone a lesson – a lesson in democracy and love for Bulgaria,” said MRF leader Delyan Peevski in a press release sent to the media shortly after 22:00.