Dvizhenie za prava i svobodi
Movement for Rights and Freedoms
Movement for Rights and Freedoms
Big-tent party/Liberal
European Parliament Group
Change of -0.7 since last election
-0.7 in the last 3 months
The DPS's foundation is built upon the protection of minority rights and the Bulgarian 'ethnic model,' which promotes peaceful coexistence. It positions itself as a guarantor of stability in a historically volatile region. Its worldview is shaped by liberal-democratic principles, with the state acting as a protector of individual freedoms and religious identity. The party combines a strong pro-European course with the preservation of the cultural distinctiveness of its core electorate.
The party's agenda focuses on regional development in economically disadvantaged areas, agriculture, and strengthening the rule of law. The DPS champions the interests of the Turkish minority, Pomaks, and Roma, while increasingly appealing to liberal entrepreneurs. A central point of contention remains its reputation as a clientelist party: critics accuse it of masking economic networks behind political demands, whereas the party itself emphasizes its focus on the economic integration of minorities.
Strategically, the DPS acts as a classic 'kingmaker' in the Bulgarian Parliament. Possessing a loyal voter base, it often serves as the decisive factor in government formation. Despite its firm entrenchment in institutions and its commitment to NATO and the EU, it frequently finds itself at the heart of political debates concerning the integrity of the rule of law, due to allegations of corruption and opaque power structures.
Total Duration: 8 years • 8 months • 1 week • 6 days
Total Duration: -
Total Duration: 8 years • 8 months • 1 week • 6 days
The party participated in government for 23% of the legislative period.
A comprehensive research database from the University of Bremen, documenting parties, elections, and governments for comparative analysis.ParlGov – Parliamentary Democracy Data
Döring, Holger and Philip Manow. 2024. Parliaments and governments database (ParlGov).
The leading expert survey on party positions in Europe. Over 400 political scientists document party stances based on rigorous scientific criteria.CHES – Chapel Hill Expert Survey
Rovny, Jan, et al. “25 Years of Political Party Positions in Europe: The Chapel Hill Expert Survey, 1999-2024.”