Caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov stated that the judicial system should not remain under an acting Prosecutor General who, in his view, acts contrary to both law and morality. Speaking on Monday, Yankulov commented on the recent elections, noting that they established a clear victor in Progressive Bulgaria and significant losses for established political entities associated with the judiciary’s perceived corruption. According to Yankulov, a crucial element for Bulgaria’s future is translating the public support for judicial reform into tangible political action.
He suggested that the poor electoral outcome for parties invested in maintaining the status quo demonstrates that citizens view reform as unavoidable. Yankulov expressed a desire for restoring legality within the prosecution service, suggesting this should not be delayed pending the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) composition. While acknowledging the need for a prompt SJC election, the Minister stressed that procedural correctness is paramount.
He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that only honest professionals are selected, thereby safeguarding an independent, rather than politically controlled, judiciary. Yankulov suggested that the SJC and its Prosecutors’ College had ample opportunity over the past 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 means early in its session.
This commentary followed the Ministry of Justice releasing a working analysis in early April concerning the competency model for senior judicial administrative leaders, including the Prosecutor General and heads of various courts and prosecution offices.
Topics: #yankulov #justice #minister
