Analysis by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives reveals serious problems in the work of key institutions.
The Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives has come out with a new, in-depth study that sheds light on the real functioning of the so-called “independent“ regulatory bodies in our country.
The study, which will be officially presented today, is distinguished by the fact that it is not limited to the procedures for selecting management, but analyzes in detail the structure and activities of institutions outside the direct subordination of the National Assembly. In an interview with BNR, Teodor Slavev, a senior researcher at the institute, emphasized that the main conclusion of the analysis is alarming.
“The nineteen bodies that we examined – elected in whole or in part by the parliament – do not meet the criteria for independence, transparency and efficiency. In addition, their ineffectiveness also negatively affects the state budget“, Teodor Slavev listed.
Slavev pointed out that there is a vicious practice – institutions that should be independent are actually subordinate to the will of those who appoint them.
“Whoever elects you, controls your work“, the expert summarized. He gave specific examples from the period 2020-2023, when 110 annual reports and accounts of regulators were submitted, but only 34 were considered in parliamentary committees, and only 10 reached the plenary hall.
Three of them were not even adopted. Even more disturbing is the fact that, according to the transcripts of the sessions, the MPs themselves often admit that they find the reports boring and prefer to move on to other items on the agenda. This, according to Slavev, is indicative of the lack of real control and interest in the work of these institutions.
The research by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives puts on the agenda the need for reforms that would guarantee true independence, transparency and accountability of the regulatory authorities - in the name of the public interest and more effective management of public funds.