15.02.2024
“We discussed Bulgaria’s progress in recent months in the implementation of the reforms within the Judiciary, the amendments to the Constitution, changes concerning the anti-corruption commission as well as the Prosecutor General’s powers and the control over his/her doings. The discussion was very constructive owing to the fact that practically we hold identical views.” This was stated by Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov at his briefing with the European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders after they met in the Council of Ministers. Acad. Nikolai Denkov said that the discussion was about what reforms lie ahead and how the amendments to the Constitution and to the legislation should materialize while the recurrence of past mistakes is avoided. Acad. Nikolai Denkov singled out the Specialized Court, which fell short of the expectations that were harbored when it was instituted and had to be abolished.
The Prime Minister pointed out that it is extremely important that the pace of reform of the Judiciary should not slacken. Acad. Nikolai Denkov explained that the members of the Anti-Corruption Commission and of the Judicial Council and of the Prosecutorial Council are to be elected in the weeks and months to come. In his view, the members should be people who have the required expertise, integrity and stamina to transform the system into what the public expects – an independent Judiciary.
The Prime Minister added that Bulgaria counts on the European Commission and on other international partner institutions such as the Venice Commission and the Basel Institute in the fight against corruption.
European Commissioner Didier Reynders said that his meeting with Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov was very productive. He expressed his satisfaction that institutions are now in place in Bulgaria to investigate cases of corruption.
