In recent weeks, the central office of DPS “New Beginning” has been regularly announcing the joining of mayors from across the country to the so-called “New Beginning Strategy.” These announcements are accompanied by photographs featuring the party leader, Delyan Peevski, posing with the newly aligned mayors. Among those photographed with Peevski is Alexander Sabbanov, who was elected as an independent mayor of Silistra in 2023. Following him, mayors from Sitovo and Glavinitsa also joined. However, they have remained silent and have not explained their decision to join the heavily promoted “New Beginning Strategy,” which is associated with a politician sanctioned for corruption under the Magnitsky Act.
As already reported by “Za Istinata”, (For the truth) the Communist Party of Bulgaria (BSP) – Silistra, which participates in the local government and supported the mayor during the pre-election campaign, decided to support his joining the “New Beginning Strategy,” insofar as it aligns with their management program. However, at the time of the decision, no one knew how closely it matched, because no one had actually seen the details of this strategy. The mayor did not provide an explanation to the municipal councilors about what exactly the municipality was joining.
To “Za Istinata” (For the truth) the mayor of Silistra commented on his meeting with Peevski and his joining the strategy as follows: “Any strategy that is beneficial for the development of the city of Silistra, I am obliged to support.”
He also mentioned that the meeting was at his initiative. The reason was a request for assistance from Delyan Peevski for two projects: one for the renovation of a school and another for a residence in the municipality, both of which had been denied funding by the Minister of Education and Science due to a penalty imposed on the municipality by the Labor Inspection.
As reported by “Za Istinata,” two ongoing cases are currently pending between the municipality and the Ministry of Education and Science, related to the withheld funds following a 1,500 BGN fine.
According to the mayor, Peevski contacted the minister regarding the projects and also made a commitment to assist in the development of the municipality’s infrastructure projects.
The regional leader of DPS “New Beginning,” Birol Mehmed, confirmed that the meeting was initiated by Mayor Alexander Sabbanov and that Delyan Peevski will assist with the municipality’s and the region’s infrastructure projects. He stated that the strategy, which has been the subject of much discussion, is merely printed on flyers, and provided us with a paper copy of the campaign brochure from the latest parliamentary elections, which includes the management program of DPS “New Beginning.”
The same election campaign management program from the brochure is also published on the website of “DPS – New Beginning” and can be downloaded in PDF format HERE. The program outlines the main principles and guidelines for Bulgaria’s development regarding the economy, judicial system, healthcare, international relations, and other areas, as promoted by “DPS–New Beginning” and leader Delyan Peevski.
It thus becomes clear that the “New Beginning Strategy” essentially does not exist. In practice, the mayors and parties claiming support are committing to implement the pre-election management program of “DPS – New Beginning” in exchange for promises of assistance from Peevski to resolve their local issues.
The takeover of municipalities in Silistra Province by Peevski continues. According to information from “Za Istinata,” a new wave of mayors and local councilors is expected to join, this time from Tutrakan, and it is anticipated that this will be announced by “DPS – New Beginning” after May 3rd.
