Liberal success in Bulgaria

5.27.58pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 3rd Jun 2007

Bulgaria flag

The Liberals have lead a successful campaign in Bulgaria's first European elections, where more than 200 candidates were campaigning for the 18 MEP positions available. Despite a rather disappointing turnout of around 30%, ELDR member parties, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and the National Movement of Simeon II (NMSII) earned a total of 5 seats in the European Parliament.

ELDR Party President Annemie Neyts offered her congratulations to the two liberal parties noting the results emphasise that liberals are seen as leaders on the European stage and in representing Bulgaria in the European Parliament. Commenting on the elections, Mrs Neyts stated "these elections are a significant step in the integration of Bulgaria into the EU and represent an important victory for liberalism in Bulgaria and across the Union."

The results mean that MRF achieved 4 seats and while the low turn-out dented the aspirations of the NMSII, the party still recorded an important victory by earning 1 seat and will be represented in the European Parliament.