The plenum of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) postponed the decision on appointing a new acting Prosecutor General, referring the request of the caretaker Minister of Justice Andrey Yankulov to the Prosecutors' College.
The debates lasted over six hours, discussing whether the minister's request was admissible. Only one vote was against the postponement. Yankulov explained that he would take all necessary steps to resolve this issue and to stop the "extremely critical state of the rule of law".
The minister emphasized that his powers do not include replacing or appointing a new acting Prosecutor General, but only referring the matter to the competent authorities. He noted that the Prosecutors' College would likely make a decision, taking into account previous decisions. Yankulov also raised the issue of Borislav Sarafov's long-term performance of the functions - nearly three years. According to him, it is time for a change.
The President of the Supreme Court of Cassation Galina Zaharova expressed the opinion that the appointment of an acting Prosecutor General should be made by the relevant college within the SJC. Tsvetinka Pashkunova from the Judges' College also supported the referral of the matter to the Prosecutors' College, as the only competent body.
Boyan Magdalinchev from the Judges' College stated that the appointment of an acting Prosecutor General is not a function of the SJC plenum, but of the Prosecutors' College.