Bulgaria’s General Assembly of prosecutors kicked off the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) on Tuesday, with 24 candidates unveiling reform‑focused platforms that address pay, career bonuses, perceived pressure on prosecutors and broader judicial overhaul.
Candidates outline reforms
According to Mediapool.bg, the candidates presented detailed concepts covering four main areas: increasing salaries to curb corruption, strengthening safeguards against political pressure, introducing performance‑based career bonuses, and modernising the judicial system to improve case handling times. The proposals reflect a growing consensus that the prosecutorial corps needs both financial incentives and institutional independence to restore public confidence.
One of the candidates, former prosecutor Keryazov, told BurgasMedia that while the state should refrain from direct interference in professional federations, it must retain oversight of their finances to prevent misuse of public funds.
"The state should stay out of the federations but watch the money," Keryazov said.
Other candidates emphasized the need for transparent criteria for promotions and the introduction of a merit‑based bonus system, arguing that such measures would reduce the temptation for illicit enrichment and enhance the meritocracy within the prosecution service.
Political stakes and expectations
The election of the SJC is a pivotal moment for Bulgaria’s justice system. The council, a constitutional body, is responsible for appointing the Prosecutor General, overseeing disciplinary proceedings against judges and prosecutors, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. Its composition has been a flashpoint in recent years, with critics alleging that previous appointments were overly politicised.
Acting Prosecutor General Mariya Stefanova expressed optimism that the newly elected council would finally choose a permanent head for the prosecution service, ending a period of interim leadership that has raised concerns about continuity and authority. BTA reported her statement, noting that a stable leadership is essential for implementing the reforms outlined by the candidates.
The election process itself was also reported by BTA and Fakti.bg, both confirming that the General Assembly began voting on the new council members. While the exact voting schedule was not disclosed, officials indicated that the procedure would follow constitutional guidelines and conclude within the next few weeks.
Analysts caution that the success of the proposed reforms will depend on the composition of the new council and its willingness to act independently of political pressures. The European Union has repeatedly urged Bulgaria to strengthen the rule of law, and the SJC’s choices will be closely watched by Brussels and local civil‑society watchdogs.
As the election unfolds, the prosecutorial community and the public await a clear signal on whether Bulgaria’s justice system will embark on a path of greater transparency, financial integrity and institutional autonomy.
