Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated on Monday that the judicial system should not remain under the leadership of an acting Prosecutor General, whom he characterized as acting contrary to law and morality. Following the recent elections, Yankulov commented that the results clearly identified a winner in Progressive Bulgaria and major losers among established political groups associated with the judiciary’s perceived corrupt status quo. According to Yankulov, a crucial element for Bulgaria’s future is translating the public support for judicial reform into concrete political action.
He suggested that the negative election outcome for parties committed to maintaining the status quo demonstrates that citizens view reform as unavoidable. Yankulov stated, “I would like to believe that restoring legality in the running of the prosecution service will be the first small step of change.”
He argued that this initial step should not be delayed pending the election of a new composition for the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). While a swift SJC election is important, Yankulov stressed that proper procedure must take precedence over speed.
He emphasized the need to ensure that honest professionals, who will serve the public interest, are selected for an independent, rather than party-dominated, judiciary. The minister suggested that the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College had ample opportunity over the last two months to recognize the situation and act professionally. He warned that if they fail to do so, the new parliament might address the issue through standard legislative action early in its first sessions.
This follows the Ministry of Justice publishing a competency model analysis for senior judicial administrators in early April.
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