site.btaMovement for Right and Freedoms Deputy Chair: MRF – New Beginning Leader Did 180 on Ukraine

Deputy chair of the Movement for Right and Freedoms and former MP Valentin Tonchev told reporters in Parliament here on Wednesday that [Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning Chairperson Delyan] Peevski wears a Euro-Atlantic mask that is nothing but a facade. Tonchev was adamant that Peevski's behaviour on Wednesday once again confirms these allegations, which proves that Peevski did a 180 on Ukraine and which is why he should return the medal he was awarded by Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada.

Tonchev was referring to a press release from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning, which on November 20, 2024, announced that Peevski had been awarded a medal by Ukraine's parliament and was presented by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Bulgaria Olesya Ilashchuk.

Tonchev alleged that what Peevski is doing is trading on the national interest for fear of new sanctions under the Magnitsky Act. Peevski was sanctioned for major corruption under the Global Magnitsky Act in June 2021. Tonchev continued: "You cannot take a stand in defence of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity just days ago, [...] only to do a literal 180 today." He warned that this a dangerous phenomenon that Bulgaria should be wary of.

Earlier Wednesday, Peevski commented on Bulgaria's position following a security council convened by the Prime Minister on Tuesday. He told reporters in Parliament that Bulgaria's position is that of neutrality, which he described as "spinelessness". According to him, the country's position should be firm and clearly formulated by the Government. The Floor Leader was adamant that his parliamentary group will be firmly opposed to Bulgaria funding anything outside the country, as "all money should stay in Bulgaria for the Bulgarian citizens."

Speaking on behalf of the DRF parliamentary group, Tonchev said: "Our position on the war in Ukraine should be forged within the European Council, where Prime Minister [Rosen] Zhelyazkov is making significant efforts for Bulgaria to have a worthy position to be at the negotiating table." He added that peace is the only alternative, but it cannot be achieved without Ukraine at the table and without the EU acting as a mediator.

Tonchev concluded: "We are in this administration to dismantle the Peevski model," and specified that Peevski has appointees in all the power resources of the state, in all ministries, regional directorates, and forestry enterprises. He insisted that these people should be dismissed.

*In 2021, Peevski was designated by the US under the Global Magnitsky Act as an oligarch who "has regularly engaged in corruption, using influence peddling and bribes to protect himself from public scrutiny and exert control over key institutions and sectors in Bulgarian society." Peevski is challenging the designation in a US court. His lawyers argue that there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by their client.