The nomination of Borislav Sarafov for a new chief prosecutor is expected. However, it seems to me that the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) is making a public mistake, because, as we all know, this SJC enjoys extremely low public confidence. This was stated by the former interior minister, Prof. Veselin Vuchkov in the program “The live day” on NOVA NEWS.
„He has a mandate that has long since expired, five years ago he elected Ivan Geshev to the applause of the regional directorates of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. And again, the same SJC decided to depose the previous chief prosecutor. So, in my opinion, this SJC should not choose the next chief prosecutor”, Prof. Vuchkov added.
In his words, there is no legal obstacle to the current composition of the Air Force exercising its powers, incl. even if framing at the top of the judicial system. On this occasion, he recalled a decision of the Constitutional Court from 2022, according to which the terms for state bodies, which are regulated by the Constitution, do not apply in practice, i.e. they can be indefinite.
My personal opinion is that the next Attorney General, whoever he will be, will carry the negatives throughout his career for being elected in this way and by this SJC. Even if he tries to do fantastic things, it will negatively affect his professional image, the former interior minister added.
Prof. Vuchkov predicts that it is very likely that President Radev will veto the election of a new chief prosecutor and return the nomination for a new examination in the SJC. According to him, the main question will then be whether the SJC will open a new procedure and new nominations for chief prosecutor.
Borislav Sarafov with his first words after his nomination as chief prosecutor
In conclusion, he pointed out that it would be most reasonable for the new chief prosecutor to be elected by a new composition of the Supreme Judicial Council and only when the 51st National Assembly is constituted.