DPS-Dogan called on many leaders and institutions from the EU, including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the prosecutor Laura Köveshi, to react to the “failing rule of law in Bulgaria”. This was done through a letter of MEP Ilhan Kyuchuk, distributed by the press center of the faction. It explicitly mentions Delyan Peevski. The appeal is also addressed to Didier Renders, Commissioner for Justice, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Mezzola, the head of the Commission for Civil Liberties and Justice Javier Zarzalejos, the OSCE, the Venice Commission and others.
“The events of recent weeks show that it is extremely important to shine a light on the retreat of democracy and the failing rule of law that lead to the alleged use of the police, prosecutor’s office and courts in the service of Delyan Peevski, sanctioned under Magnitsky,” the letter says. The split in DPS is followed – the expulsion of party members, the eviction of Ahmed Dogan from the properties he used without notice, the dismissal of people from municipal and state offices, etc. “Last but not least” – the letter continues – “since the beginning of the election campaign, several blitz actions of law enforcement bodies were carried out with show arrests or searches in the properties of mayors, former mayors and even a deputy enjoying parliamentary immunity – many legal experts subjected to serious criticizes the legality of these actions”.
In conclusion, Kyuchuk calls: “As representatives of the institutions that are a symbol of the democratic hope of the Bulgarian society, I call on you to pay attention and react in accordance with the tools at your disposal, especially in view of the organization and conduct of the upcoming parliamentary elections, by ensuring that international institutions really notice what is happening in Bulgaria”.
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Bulgaria’s Turbulent Politics: The DPS Divide and the Rule of Law Conundrum
As Bulgaria gears up for its seventh general election in nearly four years, the country’s politics are once again plagued by turmoil and uncertainty. Recent events have shed light on the internal divisions within the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), a party that has long been a significant player in Bulgarian politics. This rift has significant implications for the country’s future, particularly with regards to the rule of law.
At the heart of the controversy is Ahmed Dogan, the chairman of honor of DPS, and Delyan Peevski, a co-leader of the party [1]. Peevski, who has been sanctioned by the US and the UK for his alleged links to organized crime, has become a polarizing figure in Bulgarian politics. The US sanctions have imposed significant restrictions on Peevski’s business dealings and financial transactions [2].
Recent developments have seen Ahmed Dogan expel Peevski from the DPS, leading to a significant split in the party [3]. This divide has resulted in Dogan forming a new coalition called DPS-Dogan, which has now called on European leaders, including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and prosecutor Laura Köveshi, to react to the “failing rule of law in Bulgaria” .
The decision by the Bulgarian Supreme Court to uphold the refusal to register Dogan’s coalition for the upcoming October elections [1] has only added fuel to the fire, further highlighting the challenges facing Bulgaria’s fragile democratic institutions.
This letter, signed by MEP Ilhan Kyucy, serves as a stark reminder of the EU’s concerns regarding Bulgaria’s rule of law. The country’s struggles to maintain a functioning democracy and its periodic lapses into authoritarianism have been well-documented. The European Commission has previously criticized Bulgaria for its lack of progress in combating corruption and organized crime.
As Bulgaria heads to the polls for the seventh time in four years, the stakes are higher than ever. The country’s prospects for EU integration and its ability to consolidate its democratic gains are directly linked to the rule of law and the stability of its institutions. In this context, the recent rifts within the DPS and the subsequent calls for EU intervention highlight the urgent need for tangible reforms.
DPS-Dogan’s appeal to EU leaders for support should serve as a clarion call for decisive action. The time for incremental reforms is over; what Bulgaria needs is a comprehensive overhaul of its institutions, one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The path ahead will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, but the European community must ensure that Bulgaria remains on track to fulfill its democratic potential. Only then can the country unlock its true potential and become a beacon of stability in the region.
