site.btaMunicipal Structure of MRF in Ardino Switches to MRF-New Beginning's Side

The municipal structure of the MRF in Ardino, which used to support MRF founder Ahmed Dogan, is switching to the side of MRF - New Beginning, Kardzhali Mayor and Deputy Chairman of MRF - New Beginning Erol Mumum told journalists on Monday. Sahin Bayryamov, head of the party's municipal structure in Ardino, also confirmed the news to BTA.

According to Bayryamov, the decision was taken at a meeting earlier on Monday. As the main motive for the switch, he referred to the example of Dzhevdet Chakarov, who on May 27 resigned as chairman of the MRF party and also left the parliamentary group of Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF), loyal to Dogan.

In Bayryamov's words, the whole municipal structure, which includes Mayor of Ardino Izet Saban, village mayors and municipal councillors.

Mumun called for unification of the MRF back on May 19, at a square in Dzhebel.

After Monday's decision of the municipal structure in Ardino, Dogan remains backed in Kardzhali Region by the mayors and structures in Kirkovo, Momchilgrad and Krumovgrad. MRF - New Beginning is backed by the mayors and structures in Kardzhali, Chernoochene, Dzhebel, and Ardino.

The rift in the Movement for Rights and Freedoms dates back to July 2024, when the party split into two factions: one loyal to MRF founder and honorary chairman Ahmed Dogan and currently represented in Parliament by the DRF, and another faction led by MRF Chair Delyan Peevski and currently represented by the MRF - New Beginning parliamentary group. Peevski and his supporters were expelled from the MRF on August 27, 2024. Peevski dismissed the decision as "contrary to the MRF Statute". In turn, Peevski's faction expelled Dogan and his faithful from the party on November 16, 2024.