Title: Bulgarian Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev Officially Dismissed, Controversy Surrounds Successor Appointment
Subtitle: President Rumen Radev expresses concern over potential political interference in the appointment of the new Attorney General
Date: June 20, 2023
The procedure for the dismissal of Ivan Geshev, the highly controversial Chief Prosecutor of Bulgaria, has been officially closed. On Tuesday, President Rumen Radev published the decree in the “State Gazette,” marking the final step in the process. However, President Radev expressed concern that political parties in parliament may attempt to appoint their own candidate to the attorney general’s chair.
Even before the presidential decree was published, the prosecutor’s collegium of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJSC) appointed Borislav Sarafov, Geshev’s former deputy, to replace him. This appointment raised controversy as it deviated from the usual procedure. While such rules are typically used for lower-level positions in the state prosecution, special rules apply to the election of the chief prosecutor. The entire plenary session of the council must vote for a person to be named to the post, rather than just the collegium.
Geshev, who recently applied for a political career, criticized the appointment of Sarafov, stating that it led to the absurdity of having two chief prosecutors. However, there is no consensus among legal circles regarding whether Geshev should have waited for the publication of the decree. Some argue that the procedure for the release of the chief prosecutor is practically unappealable.
President Radev, who had a strained relationship with Geshev, refused to appoint him to the post when he was first elected by the SJC in 2019. However, the council voted again, and Radev could no longer refuse the decree. The conflict between the two escalated after prosecutors stormed the presidency in the summer of 2020. While Geshev claimed that their actions were allowed by the court, they became one of the reasons for long civil protests demanding the resignation of the chief prosecutor and then Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Geshev later acknowledged that the action was a “communication error” due to insufficient public explanation. No significant outcomes resulted from the investigations against the presidential advisers.
President Radev also commented on Sarafov’s appointment as Acting Deputy Attorney General, highlighting that it did not follow the usual procedure. Nevertheless, Sarafov possesses all the powers of the attorney general. Radev emphasized that the current situation serves as a lesson about principles and dignity in politics, stating that abandoning principles to gain power leads to embracing adversaries.
Sarafov’s appointment was made by the same majority in the SJC that once elected Geshev and supported him unconditionally for over three years before removing him. The council members’ sudden change coincided with the request from the GERB party to seek the chief prosecutor’s removal.
Following Sarafov’s election, the PP-DB called for his resignation, reminding politicians not to interfere in the work of the judiciary. Geshev responded in a similar manner.
The dismissal of Ivan Geshev as the chief prosecutor marks a significant development in Bulgaria’s judicial system. The controversy surrounding the appointment of his successor raises concerns about potential political interference and the need to uphold principles and dignity in politics.
How have critics argued that political interference has affected the appointment of the new Attorney General, and why is an impartial and transparent process important?
S been critical of Geshev’s tenure as Chief Prosecutor, expressed his concern over the potential political interference in the appointment of the new Attorney General. He emphasized the need for an impartial, independent, and transparent process in selecting the country’s top prosecutor.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Sarafov highlights a larger issue of political influence in the country’s judiciary. Many critics argue that the ruling party has been exerting control over the judiciary, undermining its independence and compromising the rule of law. This has led to widespread protests and calls for judicial reform.
President Radev has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the appointment of the new chief prosecutor, and he has promised to veto any candidate he deems unfit for the role. He has also urged the government and political parties to prioritize the interests of the Bulgarian people and the integrity of the justice system over their own political agendas.
The dismissal of Geshev and the controversy surrounding his successor’s appointment mark a critical moment for Bulgaria’s justice system. It is imperative that the country takes steps to strengthen the independence of its judiciary and restore public trust in the rule of law. Only then can Bulgaria move forward on a path of genuine democratic progress.
This article sheds light on President Radev’s concerns regarding the parties’ search for a convenient chief prosecutor. It is crucial to prioritize fairness and independence in such appointments to ensure the just functioning of our justice system.
This article sheds light on President Radev’s concerns regarding the appointment of a chief prosecutor and highlights the potential for parties to seek a convenient choice. It raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the process, making it a matter of concern for those who value the integrity of the justice system.