Continuation of key debates in the National Assembly
Parliament is expected to continue the discussion and second-reading vote on the amendments to the Judiciary Act. Work on the bill was interrupted yesterday due to the expiration of plenary time.
The President of the National Assembly, Mihaela Dotsova, confirmed that the debates on the remaining amendments will continue at the next session.
Main highlights of the bill:
- Changes regarding the Prosecutor General: It is provided that they will be assisted by up to three deputies (instead of the current two).
- SJC Elections: The Plenum of the Supreme Judicial Council must adopt rules and a schedule for the election of new members from the professional quota within a 14-day period.
- Paper ballots: Voting for new SJC members will be held in district courts using paper ballots.
Proposals for early dismissal
The Legal Committee adopted expanded authority for requesting the early dismissal of the Prosecutor General. Such a right will now be held by:
- The Minister of Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Cassation;
- The Plenum or the General Assembly of the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Cassation;
- At least three members of the SJC;
- The Ombudsman, at least 1/5 of the Members of Parliament, and the Supreme Bar Council.
The agenda also includes regular parliamentary control with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov and a number of sectoral ministers.