The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and Renew Europe, prominent liberal groups in the European Parliament, have expelled Bulgaria’s Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) party, citing corruption allegations against its leader, Delyan Peevski.
This decision followed Peevski’s recent election as the sole leader of the MRF on December 20, despite his controversial reputation. Peevski, sanctioned by the United States in 2021 under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, is accused of playing a significant role in large-scale corruption in Bulgaria.
ALDE, a pan-European political group comprising 60 national parties, emphasized its commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law. ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn stated, “A party led by an individual sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act has no place in our family.”
Renew Europe echoed this sentiment, with its President, Valérie Hayer, calling Peevski’s leadership “fundamentally incompatible” with the group’s values. She confirmed that Renew would remove MRF members from its ranks.
The expulsion marked the end of a 23-year alliance between ALDE and the MRF. Peevski’s leadership has drawn criticism from the United Kingdom and the United States, both of which have imposed sanctions against him for corruption.
Despite ALDE’s move, the MRF preemptively decided to withdraw from the group and encouraged its MEPs to leave Renew. Bulgarian MEP Taner Kabilov announced his departure, citing a “deepening distancing of policies” and accusing ALDE of double standards regarding corruption.
This expulsion underscores the European Parliament’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption within its ranks. By cutting ties with the Peevski-led MRF, ALDE and Renew reaffirmed their dedication to democratic principles and political stability. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s political landscape faces increased scrutiny as it grapples with corruption allegations at the highest levels.
