Former caretaker interior minister, Ivan Demerdzhiev, raised objections to the Supreme Judicial Council's role in choosing the next chief prosecutor, highlighting the expired mandates of its members as a significant point of concern. Demerdzhiev emphasized the lack of legal and moral authority for the council members to participate in the selection process, particularly regarding the potential influence from Delyan Peevski, whose interests he believes may sway the outcome in his favor.
The former minister criticized the intention behind the upcoming meeting of the prosecutorial collegium of the Supreme Judicial Council, expressing skepticism about the fairness and independence of the procedure for electing a new chief prosecutor. Demerdzhiev specifically called out Peevski's alleged desire to control the selection process to ensure a favorable outcome, indicating a potential power play to consolidate influence within the state. In his view, the involvement of the Supreme Judicial Council, as orchestrated by Peevski, raises concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the chief prosecutor election process.
Demerdzhiev urged opposition parties, their leaders, and institutions to take a firm stand against what he perceives as undue influence in the selection of the chief prosecutor. He emphasized the importance of upholding responsibility and maintaining institutional authority to resist external pressures and safeguard the integrity of the process. The former minister highlighted the need for resistance against potential manipulation, urging stakeholders to prioritize the autonomy and credibility of the selection process for the chief prosecutor.