Bulgaria's Opposition Nibbles at Demands of Mass Resignation in Judiciary

Calls on the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS) to step down will not solve problems in the judiciary, the leader of Bulgaria's biggest opposition party has warned.

Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Chairman Mihail Mikov is referring to the demand of Radan Kanev, who co-heads the senior coalition partner Reformist Bloc, that members of the VSS should collectively submit resignations in a move to start "clearing the system."

In Mikov's words, the idea of Kanev could be part of "political calculations" and is not a key to reform.

Addressing what has often been described as a "flawed" judicial system is one of the priorities pointed by the Reformist Bloc and even drafted by the interim government which was in office between August and November.

But Mikov believes it is "not serious to portray reform as resignations. It is now in fashion here that everyone should demand others' resignation."

Bulgaria's judicial system has lately been at the center of disputes, with experts and high-ranking officials (such as France's Ambassador to Bulgaria) voicing their concerns over alleged manipulations related to certain trials. But others suggest the scandal is only part of an ongoing political struggle.