Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated on Monday that the judicial system should not remain under an acting Prosecutor General whose tenure he described as contrary to law and morality. Commenting on the recent elections, Yankulov indicated that the results clearly identified a winner in Progressive Bulgaria and significant losers among established political forces perceived as maintaining a corrupt status quo within the judiciary. For Yankulov, translating the public’s evident support for judicial reform into concrete political action is a crucial task for Bulgaria’s future.
He suggested that the unfavorable election outcome for parties invested in maintaining the current judicial structure demonstrates that citizens view reform as an inevitability. He expressed hope that restoring legality within the prosecution service could constitute an initial step toward necessary change. According to the minister, this initial reform should not be delayed pending the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition.
While a swift SJC election is important, Yankulov stressed that procedural correctness must take precedence over speed. This is necessary to ensure that honest professionals are selected who will prioritize the public interest over partisan control, thereby securing an independent judiciary. Yankulov asserted that the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College had sufficient time over the last two months to recognize the situation and act with professional integrity.
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 statement followed the Ministry of Justice releasing a competency model analysis for senior judicial administrators, including the Prosecutor General and heads of various judicial bodies.
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