Sofia’s Supreme Judicial Council has voted to dismiss controversial Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev, seen by many Bulgarians as a failing to stop high-level corruption and an obstacle to establishing the rule of law.
The council voted on Monday by a margin of 16-4 to remove him. The decision now has to be approved by President Rumen Radev.
Bulgaria’s new government, which took power earlier this month, has vowed to set the EU and NATO member on a path toward democratic EU norms. For years, oligarchs and their political protectors have often operated unhindered in league with organized crime groups.
Geshev , who has the moniker of “The Cap” because of his trademark headwear was identified in massive anti-mafia street protests over 2020 as the the central figure in the judiciary, who ensured that no big fish are ever put in trial.
Even before the formation of the new government, Geshev’s position was shaky as he bickered with his former ally, ex-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
Geshev is accusing his enemies of trying to assassinate him and has started to reveal details of previously suppressed investigations, including a money laundering case involving Borissov and the purchase of property in Barcelona, Spain.
Geshev pledged in May to rid the National Assembly or Parliament of its “political garbage.”
The Supreme Judicial Council said his outburst led to the vote to remove him, arguing he had crossed red lines.
“The principles of ‘politeness and tolerance’ and ‘honesty and decency’ in the Code of Ethical Behavior of Bulgarian Magistrates were violated with his remarks at a press conference held on May 15, 2023.”
President Radev has limited powers to oppose the Supreme Judicial Council, but could delay Geshev’s departure to allow him to create problems for the new government.
Radev is known for his pro-Moscow stance and opposes the reform-minded new government under Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, which is pledging to adopt a more pro-NATO and pro-Ukraine line.
