Lawmakers Advance Judicial Reform with Three Bills in First Reading

Lawmakers passed three judicial reform bills in a first reading on Wednesday. Two of the bills, proposed by Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and There Is Such a People (TISP), received unanimous support, while Vazrazhdane’s bill passed with 193 votes in favor and 28 against, CE Report quotes BTA

CC-DB Co-floor Leader Nadejda Iordanova explained that their amendments aim to enhance judicial independence by requiring double majorities for selecting the Presidents of the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) and the Supreme Court of Cassation (SCC). The changes also include measures for transparency in selecting the Prosecutor General, introducing clearer candidate criteria and a mandatory waiting period for reconsidering nominations rejected by the president.

Vazrazhdane MP Tsveta Rangelova said their proposals focus on transparency and accountability, including greater scrutiny of magistrates’ property and disallowing expired mandates from overseeing major appointments.

TISP MP Aleksandar Rashev highlighted their bill's focus on limiting the powers of the Prosecutor General and reforming judicial structures.

While most parties backed the bills, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF)-New Beginning expressed concerns about potential judicial overreach. MRF MP Hamid Hamid criticized parts of Vazrazhdane’s proposals, arguing they intrude on judicial independence.

Debate continues as lawmakers refine the measures, with all parties emphasizing the need to restore public trust in Bulgaria’s judicial system.