Bulgarian Lawmakers Discuss Limiting The President's Role And Other Judicial Reforms

 

The Bulgarian Parliament is embarking on a contentious debate over proposed constitutional amendments that seek to redefine the balance of power, particularly focusing on the prosecutor-general's authority and the president's role in forming caretaker governments.

The draft amendments, jointly put forth by We Continue The Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB), GERB, and Movement For Rights And Freedoms (DPS), have garnered initial support with 161 votes in favor. 

While this isn't sufficient for immediate adoption, it initiates a more protracted process, with another vote scheduled in two to five months requiring 160 votes for approval.

The primary aim of these changes is to safeguard the independence of judges and ensure a fair and unbiased judicial system. 

They propose separating the Supreme Judicial Council into two distinct bodies, one for judges and another for prosecutors, each with its own method of appointment. 

This division seeks to reduce the influence of the prosecutor-general.

However, this initiative has faced criticism, particularly from the leadership of the prosecution, who express concerns about potential political interference in the selection of prosecutors.

On the other hand, representatives of the judiciary have welcomed the notion of a majority of judges on the Judicial Council but have reservations about other provisions, such as allowing certain officials to be re-elected for a second five-year term.

Additionally, the proposed amendments look to limit the president's authority in appointing caretaker prime ministers by restricting the choices to specific high-ranking officials, a move that has garnered criticism from President Rumen Radev and his advisers.

This constitutional debate comes against the backdrop of Bulgaria's struggle with corruption and concerns over the lack of independence within its judiciary. International pressure, notably from the 

United States and the European Union, has been mounting for Bulgaria to reform its judicial system and diminish the extensive powers of the prosecutor-general.

While Bulgaria took a step forward with the introduction of a mechanism for the independent investigation of the prosecutor-general, its practical implementation has been the subject of debate, raising questions about its effectiveness in combatting corruption and strengthening judicial independence.