DPS Local Structure in Novi Pazar Submits Collective Resignation.

The reason for the collective resignation is disapproval and serious criticism of the party leadership’s policies, representatives of the local organization said. According to a Shumen-based news website, the decision to leave stems from dissatisfaction with the party leadership’s direction.

The current councilors from the formation will declare themselves independent at the next session of the local parliament. The municipality’s village mayors are expected to do the same. The DPS group in the Novi Pazar Municipal Council is expected to announce its independent status at the next meeting later this month. The seven municipal councilors elected from the party list associated with Delyan Peevski have already submitted a document declaring themselves independent.

Municipal leader Talib Ismail confirmed the information to Klub Z, saying: The information is correct. Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio, he stated that the departing DPS councilors, including himself, have no intention of joining another political force. I have also been considering this final decision for quite some time, Ismail added.

There has been no reaction from the party leadership so far.

The party recently faced similar problems with its structure in the Rhodope municipality of Kirkovo, which took the same step last week. The process is likely to spread to other municipalities as well, following the significant weakening of DPS leader Delyan Peevski’s influence in the country’s governance after April 19.