Key changes in the judicial system

Parliament has proceeded to the second reading of the amendments to the Judiciary Act. The main focus of the discussions is on the selection criteria for members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) and the transparency of the election process.

"The first step is the most important one, and it determines all subsequent ones," emphasized Velislav Velichkov from PP.

Key adopted provisions:

  • Prohibition for former chairpersons of the Supreme Court of Cassation, the Supreme Administrative Court, and former Prosecutors General to be elected as members of the SJC within a previous term.
  • Introduction of paper ballots for the election of SJC members from the professional quota in district courts.
  • Limiting the powers of the SJC to make personnel decisions after its term has expired.
  • Expanding the circle of bodies that can propose the early dismissal of the Prosecutor General.

The debates continue, with the focus remaining on ensuring a qualitatively new and independent composition of the judicial bodies through the necessary political will.