Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated on Monday that the judicial system should not remain under the leadership of an acting Prosecutor General who, in his view, operates contrary to law and morality. Commenting on the recent elections, Yankulov noted that the results clearly identified a winner—Progressive Bulgaria—and significant losers among established political groups associated with the judiciary’s perceived corruption. According to Yankulov, a critical task for Bulgaria’s future is translating the public’s evident support for judicial reform into tangible political action.
He suggested that the unfavorable election outcomes for parties resistant to change demonstrate that citizens view reform as inevitable. The minister expressed a desire for the restoration of legality within the prosecution service to serve as an initial step toward reform. Yankulov argued that this initial step should not be contingent upon the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition.
While he stressed the importance of a swift SJC election, he emphasized that procedural correctness must take precedence over speed. He stated that safeguards are necessary to ensure that independent professionals, rather than party loyalists, are selected to maintain a judicial system focused on the public interest. The minister criticized the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College, suggesting they missed opportunities over the past two months to adapt.
Yankulov warned that if they fail to act with professional dignity, the new parliament might address the issue through standard legislative means early in its session. These statements follow the Ministry of Justice’s publication of a competency model analysis for senior judicial administrators, including the Prosecutor General.
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The call for immediate leadership changes within the prosecution office raises significant questions regarding judicial independence.