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 both law and morality. Commenting on the recent elections, Yankulov suggested that the results clearly identified Progressive Bulgaria as the winner, while marking significant setbacks for established political groups associated with the current judicial status quo. According to Yankulov, a crucial element for Bulgaria’s future is translating the public support for judicial reform into tangible political action.
He noted that the poor showing for parties invested in maintaining the existing judicial structure indicates that citizens view reform as inevitable. Yankulov expressed hope that restoring legality within the prosecution service would constitute an initial step toward change, a process he believes should not be delayed pending the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition. While emphasizing the need for the SJC election to proceed quickly, the minister stressed that procedural correctness must take precedence over speed.
He argued that safeguards must ensure the selection of honest professionals committed to an independent, rather than politically influenced, judiciary. Yankulov suggested that the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College had ample opportunity over the last two months to acknowledge the situation and exit with professional dignity. He warned that if they fail to do so, the new parliament might address the issue through ordinary legislative means early in its session.
Earlier in April, the Ministry of Justice released a working analysis detailing the competency model for senior administrative judicial leaders, including the Prosecutor General and various court presidents.
Topics: #yankulov #justice #minister
This sounds like another politically motivated attempt to destabilize the judiciary rather than a genuine call for reform.