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Bulgarian judicial and legislative reform efforts

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-21 07:45 UTC → 2026-08-24 19:50 UTC · added removed

The Bulgarian government has initiated a series of broad legislative and institutional reforms. Initially, the government unveiled reforms through a four-year strategic management program aimed at judicial and constitutional reform. This program. A primary pillar of this plan seeks is judicial reform, which aims to restore institutional legitimacy through by amending the Judicial System Act. Key objectives include the decentralization of the prosecution service, digital transformation, and the implementation of European standards. It also proposes constitutional changes regarding To combat political pressure on magistrates and the influence of oligarchic circles, the government has proposed a national strategy for radical judicial reform. This includes ensuring integrity in the election of the Supreme Judicial Council and increased public accountability establishing a confidential reporting mechanism via the Ministry of Justice website to allow magistrates to report attempts to influence their independent voting. Proposed constitutional changes also include requiring a 3/5 majority for high-ranking officials. Following this broader framework, specific electing the Supreme Judicial Council and restoring the President’s powers regarding the appointment of caretaker cabinets. Parallel efforts have emerged are underway to modernize the juvenile justice system. The Bulgarian Ombudsman Ombudsman, Velislava Delcheva, and the Minister of Justice have begun drafting Nikolay Naydenov are collaborating to draft a new law to replace the existing framework from 1958. 1958 framework. This targeted reform aims initiative seeks to align child rights with international standards by emphasizing restorative justice, establishing specialized judicial bodies for minors, and a shift shifting from closed-type institutionalization toward community-based social services. A joint working group involving the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and various non-governmental organizations will develop the conceptual framework for these changes.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-24 19:50 UTC Bulgarian judicial and legislative reform efforts
  2. 2026-08-21 07:45 UTC Bulgarian judicial and legislative reform efforts

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