Bulgaria Justice Minister addresses judicial influence and reform

Bulgarian Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov has addressed ongoing controversies regarding the judicial system and the upcoming election of the Supreme Judicial Council. Naydenov reported that a signal has been filed regarding attempts to influence the selection of magistrates, highlighting the challenges of maintaining professional independence amidst political pressures.

Addressing allegations raised by political figures concerning presidential pardons, Naydenov noted that a commission previously assessed the risks to the life and health of a specific individual, which was subsequently sent to the presidency. He emphasized that parliamentary nominations are a constitutional process involving the separation of powers.

The Minister also commented on the systemic issues within the Bulgarian judiciary, stating that the system has increasingly become a source of scandals and dependencies. He expressed his commitment to leading reforms within the sector, citing support from the Prime Minister and the cabinet to combat institutional corruption and the ‘internal life’ of the judiciary that operates under the guise of independence.