site.btaParliament Adopts Rules for Counter-corruption Commission Nomination Procedure

The National Assembly on Friday adopted rules for the work of the nomination committee and the procedure for nominating, reviewing candidates, and electing members of the Counter-corruption Commission. The decision passed with 122 votes in favour, 72 against, and 2 abstentions.

The debate in the plenary chamber was interrupted several times due to requests for breaks by parliamentary groups. Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev urged MPs not to abuse their right to request breaks, noting that Bulgaria is expecting to receive over BGN 1.3 billion as part of the second payment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. “The final step today is the adoption of the rules for the election of the Counter-corruption Commission,” he explained.

The rules were supported by GERB–UDF, MRF–New Beginning, BSP–United Left, There Is Such a People (TISP), and two independent MPs. Those who voted against included deputies from Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (CC–DB), Vazrazhdane, Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, MECh, and Velichie. Two CC–DB MPs abstained.

Under the adopted rules, the nomination committee will consist of five independent members, one each proposed by the Supreme Court of Cassation, the Supreme Bar Council, the Ministry of Justice, the Ombudsman, and the National Audit Office. The committee may meet and make decisions with the presence of all its members, but not fewer than four.

A proposal by Lena Borislavova (CC–DB) to delay the committee’s constitution until a new Ombudsman is elected, was rejected.

The nomination committee is tasked with screening candidates for eligibility and conducting public hearings within 30 days. A report with assessments of each candidate’s performance will then be submitted to the National Assembly Committee on Prevention and Counteraction of Corruption.

Reasoned nominations for Counter-corruption Commission membership may be submitted by MPs or NGOs and must be accompanied by a professional biography, written justification, and written consent from the candidate.

Within three days of adopting the rules, the National Assembly Committee on Prevention and Counteraction of Corruption must publish an invitation for nominations. Proposals should be submitted within seven days of the invitation.

Within the following seven days, candidates must submit a written concept paper to the nomination committee. All candidates will be vetted by the so-called “Files Commission” for possible affiliation with the communist era special services. Before assessing moral and professional qualities, the nomination committee will check all submitted documents.

An amendment proposed by Petar Petrov (Vazrazhdane), which sought to disqualify candidates who owe money to private creditors in excess of the minimum wage, in addition to public debts, was rejected.

The National Assembly Committee for Prevention and Counteraction of Corruption will review the nomination committee’s report and discuss the proposed candidates. It will then prepare its own report, including the original ranking of candidates based on scores received, and submit it to the National Assembly.

The legislature will elect Counter-corruption Commission members by simple majority under the newly adopted rules. The top three candidates receiving more than half of the votes of MPs present will be elected. If fewer than three reach the threshold, a second vote should be held. If again fewer than three are approved, a new procedure will be launched.