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Thousands of Bulgarians protested against Prime Minister Borissov. Now they have received the support of Lozan Panov, one of the highest judges in the country. He filed serious charges against SPIEGEL against the government and the European Union, BGNES reported.
For more than two months, almost every day in Bulgaria, thousands of people across the country have been protesting against Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. They demand not only the resignation of the right-wing conservative government and new elections, but also fundamental reforms in the state apparatus and the judiciary. The protests were sparked by a video posted in July documenting the abuse of power and corruption among politicians.
The demonstrations also led to a fierce power struggle between Borisov and President Rumen Radev, close to the opposition Socialists.
Since the start of the protests, Borissov has made several changes to his government and recently unveiled a draft constitutional reform. The protesters saw Borissov’s maneuver in this movement and continued to demand his resignation and new elections. The prime minister refuses to do so.
SPIEGEL: The protest movement describes Bulgaria as a deeply corrupt and “captive” country. Do you believe?
Gentlemen: In our country there is an oligarchic fusion of the legislative, executive and judicial powers. For example, the owner of a media empire, Delyan Peevski, is unofficially, but in fact, he is co-prime minister. Key institutions and authorities are under its influence. Such a thing undermines the three pillars of real democracy: independent courts, free media, and strong opposition. That is why many citizens feel that they live in a “captive” country. In a normal country, I, as a judge, should stay out of politics. But in our case, even I have to say it: yes, Bulgaria is a “captive” country. This is something that European politics does not want to recognize. In Europe there is a lot of talk about Hungary and Poland, but unfortunately not about Bulgaria.
SPIEGEL: Is the judiciary also “captured” and corrupt?
Gentlemen: At least a significant part. Of course, there are independent judges, but this is also a structural problem: the Supreme Judicial Council, the autonomous body of the Bulgarian judiciary, which decides all trials in the judiciary, including appointments, disciplinary procedures and dismissals, is it consists primarily of appointed and politically controlled members. Therefore, it can be said that the most important parts of the Bulgarian judiciary are under political influence and can be corrupt. All the judicial reforms in recent years have been only a simulation of reforms.
SPIEGEL: Can you give an example of corruption in the judiciary?
Gentlemen: For example, Daniela Doncheva. She is the President of the Court of Appeal of Sofia. Three years ago, she took a lawsuit from a colleague in which her role was questionable and worth 51 million euros. I then ordered an inspection which, as a subsequent audit by the Supreme Judicial Council, revealed that Doncheva had violated the procedural rules. However, this had no consequences for the judge.
SPIEGEL: Due to protests against him, Prime Minister Borissov proposed a draft of a new Constitution, which also provides for reforms in the judiciary. What do you think about this?
Gentlemen: One of the main demands of the protesters is the resignation of the all-powerful Attorney General. The old Soviet model of prosecution still works in Bulgaria. The Attorney General is not responsible and may change or suspend any investigation by prosecutors under his direction. Borissov does not want to change anything on this issue. On the contrary: their reaction is to give even more power. And this is dangerous.
SPIEGEL: Bulgaria became a member of the EU in 2007. Since then, reforms in the field of rule of law have been regularly reviewed. Almost every time Brussels finds progress. How do you rate this?
Gentlemen: A comparison can be made with a cancer patient whose vital organs are affected, but every time he goes to the doctor, he is told that he is healthy and even receives candy in addition. Candy in the EU is a multi-million dollar grant. They help the tumor in Bulgaria continue to grow. That is why people have taken to the streets now. They want to beat cancer.
SPIEGEL: Are the EU representatives not sufficiently informed?
Gentlemen: Personally, I have repeatedly sent reports to the EC on the state of the judicial system in Bulgaria. I think they are aware of the situation there.
SPIEGEL: In 2015, shortly after taking office, you publicly called for consistent judicial reforms.
Gentlemen: Yes, there I spoke out against the mimicry of judicial reform. Shortly afterwards, during a meeting, I received a telephone message directly from Borisov, warning me. I made this public. I’ve been blacklisted ever since.
SPIEGEL: What does this mean?
Gentlemen: So far, five disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against me. No violations on my part were found in any of them. Once the bolts of the tires of my company’s car were removed. Fortunately, the driver noticed. Three years ago, masked men with bloodied lamb’s heads blocked my way to a meeting. My wife is a journalist and editor of a German-language Bulgarian business newspaper. Dozens of tax and criminal cases are being brought against her and me with completely absurd charges. The media close to the government have been campaigning against us for years.
SPIEGEL: There are periodic large national protests in Bulgaria. That has changed few things. What are the chances of success this time?
Gentlemen: When I was young, I was part of these protests. We probably expected too much help from Europe and the United States then. That was not right. It is our responsibility to change the country. But I have a great request: do not close your eyes, Europe, and do not be silent about the situation in our country. / BGNES
Bulgaria
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