Bulgaria's Parliament Adopted Changes to Judicial System Act at First Reading

Bulgaria’s MPs adopted on 19 July at first reading the amendments to the Judicial System Act aimed at increasing the guarantees for independence and impartiality of magistrates as well as removing the prerequisites for influence on the bodies of the judiciary. About 116 MPs voted in favour of the changes. Six voted against, and 52 abstained.

The law envisages dismissal of magistrates in all cases of accusations of serious intentional crime. It also introduces an obligation for all magistrates, not just the newly appointed, to file a declaration revealing all activities and memberships, as a guarantee of their independence and equality.

The legistators gave a sign that before the second reading, they will rethink the idea of banning professional organizations in the judiciary to use funds under European programmes and funds. The text now proposes a change in the funding of these organizations, envisaging that they only use funds from membership fees and donations from their members.