Borislav Sarafov Approved for Chief Prosecutor Role as Bulgaria Faces Judicial Protests

Borislav Sarafov has been deemed eligible for the role of Bulgaria's chief prosecutor by two committees within the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The Committee on Attestation and Competitions and the Committee on Professional Ethics concluded that he possesses both the professional and moral qualifications required for the position. Their reports highlighted Sarafov's 29 years of experience, the absence of disciplinary sanctions over the past five years, and a lack of pending investigations or confirmed violations against him. The SJC adopted the reports with a significant majority, endorsing his candidacy.

Sarafov, who has served as the acting chief prosecutor since last summer, expressed gratitude for the positive assessment and underscored his commitment to public service. He stated that leading the prosecution service during a politically tumultuous period required immense effort, noting his own surprise at the volume of work he had accomplished in the role. He pledged to continue his mission with dedication if elected, despite the personal sacrifices it entails, particularly in his role as a parent. Sarafov acknowledged the strain his work has placed on his family and expressed hope for their understanding.

The SJC reports also addressed prior checks against Sarafov, confirming that no evidence of wrongdoing had been found. However, this conclusion has attracted scrutiny. A special prosecutor, appointed under a mechanism designed to oversee the chief prosecutor, conducted inquiries into signals against Sarafov but terminated them without disclosing specifics. Despite requests for transparency, the details of the investigations remain undisclosed, raising questions about the process.

Sarafov's nomination, the only one submitted before the...