Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated on Monday that the judicial system should not remain under 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 favored Progressive Bulgaria while signaling significant setbacks for established political groups associated with the judiciary’s perceived corruption. For Yankulov, a key challenge for Bulgaria’s future involves translating the public’s clear support for judicial reform into tangible political action.
He suggested that the poor showing for parties invested in maintaining the status quo demonstrates that citizens view reform as an inevitability. The minister expressed his belief that restoring legality within the prosecution service should be an immediate, preliminary step toward change, one that should not await the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition. While he acknowledged the necessity of a swift SJC election, Yankulov emphasized that the process must prioritize correctness over speed.
He stressed the need to guarantee that only honest professionals, committed to an independent rather than party-controlled judiciary, are selected. Yankulov criticized the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College, stating they had ample opportunity over the past two months to recognize the changing landscape and act with professional dignity. He warned that if they fail to do so, the new parliament might address the issue through ordinary legislation early in its first session.
This commentary highlights the ongoing efforts within the justice sector, including the Ministry of Justice’s recent publication of a competency model for senior judicial administrators.
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