Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated that the judicial system should not remain under an acting Prosecutor General whose tenure, according to him, contradicts both law and morality. In a post on Facebook on Monday, Yankulov commented on the previous day’s elections, noting that they established a clear victor in Progressive Bulgaria and identified major losers among established political entities within the judiciary, which he characterized as perpetuating a corrupt status quo. Yankulov emphasized that translating the public support for judicial reform into tangible political action is a critical challenge for Bulgaria’s future.
He suggested that the poor electoral outcome for parties invested in maintaining the existing judicial structure indicates that citizens view reform as unavoidable. The minister expressed his belief that restoring legality within the prosecution service should be the initial step toward change, a process he argues should not await the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition. While acknowledging the necessity of a swift SJC election, Yankulov stressed that procedural correctness must take precedence over speed.
He argued that safeguards must ensure that only honest professionals are selected to uphold an independent judiciary, rather than one controlled by political parties. Regarding the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College, Yankulov stated they were afforded ample time over the past two months to recognize the changing environment and that they failed to do so, thus losing the opportunity to depart with professional dignity. He warned that if this continues, the new parliament might address the issue through standard legislative action early in its session.
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