In brief
During the General Assembly of Judges in Sofia, Maria Terziyska requested a comprehensive overhaul of the Supreme Judicial Council’s secondary legislation, while Krasimira Doneva prioritized reforms to competition and accountability procedures. Both candidates seek a more effective and trusted judiciary.
Sofia, 31 Oct 2026: The General Assembly of Judges met at the Sofia Event Center to elect the next Supreme Judicial Council. In the session, Maria Terziyska, a judge from the Varna Regional Court and council candidate, voiced a call to prioritize the amendment of the council’s secondary legislation.
Terziyska said that modernizing rules on court staff status, administration and ethical conduct would strengthen the council’s effectiveness and restore public trust. She added that a clear vision of the body’s role, coupled with active participation from judges, is essential for the council’s future.
"As a judge, I always strive to apply the law correctly and fairly and to observe the principles of ethical conduct for magistrates. I maintain that professional integrity is an essential and necessary part of quality justice," the candidate said.
The candidate further noted that ethical rules governing magistrates must evolve, as public scrutiny of judges’ integrity increases. She expects that a comprehensive legal framework would clarify responsibilities, reduce ambiguity, and protect the judiciary’s reputation.
At the same meeting, Krasimira Doneva, a judge from the Burgas District Court, presented a different set of priorities. She singled out the restoration of public confidence through transparent personnel decisions, measurable competition criteria, and an accountable appointment system.
Doneva proposed that competition panels disclose the weighting of individual indicators and present rationales for scores and comparisons. She also called for a stronger emphasis on the quality of judicial decisions and real‑world outcomes in career advancement.
According to Doneva, the current system should omit external competitions for initial appointments at regional courts, instead reserving vacancies for the promotion and transfer of proven magistrates. She also suggested a mechanism that would allow an administrative head to be recalled by a decision of the general assembly.
Both candidates emphasized the need for institutional safeguards against undue pressure. Terziyska highlighted the importance of consistent disciplinary practice, while Doneva underscored the necessity of a predictable system that eliminates double standards.
Experts observing the assembly noted that the proposals reflect a broader debate about the judiciary’s autonomy and credibility. The Assembly’s composition is expected to shape the pace and direction of reforms throughout the year.
As the Supreme Judicial Council prepares its next composition, the proposals put forward by Terziyska and Doneva underscore the urgency of re‑examining secondary legislation, restoring judicial integrity, and fostering public confidence in Bulgaria’s legal system.
