"We will be a constructive opposition, but we will not remain silent and provide comfortable silence for the ruling party. We will carefully monitor every step, every action, every proposal and we will criticize when we see moments of concern. We will propose solutions and we will conduct a constructive dialogue". This was stated to the Bulgarian National Radio by Nadezhda Yordanova – chairwoman of the "Democratic Bulgaria" parliamentary group in the 52nd National Assembly.
She criticized the new Justice Minister for the lack of public positions on important issues for the system: "There is a risk that we will return to the time of "You chose him", especially considering the professional biography of the current Minister of Justice – red lights are on".
Yesterday, "Progressive Bulgaria" introduced changes to the Judiciary Act, related to the upcoming election of a new Supreme Judicial Council. "Democratic Bulgaria" stated that they will support these changes at first reading as a sign of constructive parliamentary dialogue, but also that there are shortcomings in the changes.
"Some of the ideas that the Progressive Bulgaria has introduced in the bill to amend and supplement the Judiciary Act coincide with our ideas, which we have been advocating for years. First of all - it provides for a limitation or moratorium on some of the powers, including certain types of personnel powers - for appointments to the judiciary by the SJC with an expired mandate. This needs to be done. Finding the right balance is another matter. In addition, the right of the Minister of Justice to appeal decisions of the SJC. Thirdly - "A particularly important point is the return of the consideration of complaints regarding the expropriation of properties for state needs back to the administrative courts at the location of the properties and thus to stop the possibility of the Supreme Administrative Court growing unreasonably large," Nadezhda Yordanova pointed out the positive things among the proposals.
However, there are several topics that raise serious concern, she added and specified: "The first is related to the criteria that candidates for members of the Supreme Judicial Council and its Inspectorate must meet. There is no increase in the requirements for deepening the checks, i.e. the sieve through which these candidates must pass must become more serious in order to be sure that they meet high professional and moral qualities. After we have seen what is happening - the circles of – – the – – the – caves with dwarfs – in the judiciary - all connections, all secret dependencies must be brought to light. In our opinion, it is good to strengthen the checks in the law".
The other thing that worries the DB is that, according to the PB, the nomination process continues to be very closed - who can propose members to the SJC and the Inspectorate. According to her, the nomination process should be more widely open: – The decision is still in the National Assembly, but the range of candidates should be wider".
According to her, there are no guarantees for party neutrality.
And more: "It is proposed that the election from the professional quota of the SJC be at the level of district courts and be held within 1 month. This period seems extremely insufficient. In addition, the election sections in some places are becoming too small. When a small group of people vote, then the secrecy of the vote is threatened, and that is worrying".
According to her, these are topics for which the DB will insist on finding a solution.