SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS

Speech by President Rosen Plevneliev at the swearing-in ceremony of newly-elected members of the Constitutional Court

Madam Speaker of Parliament
Dear members of the Constitutional Court

Allow me to inform you that I shall not attend the scheduled swearing-in today of the last of the new members of the Constitutional Court.

The reason for this step that doubts have been aired publicly about the moral qualities of one of the people elected to the Constitutional Court. For this reason, in recent days I have called repeatedly for that candidate to take the oath only after her name has been cleared.

Judges are called on to ensure the supremacy of the Constitution, and the President, as the embodiment of the nation, cannot allow the good name of the body that is intended to be the main defender of the law to be called into question. Among the citizens of Bulgaria and our European partners, there should not be the tiniest drop of doubt about the moral qualities of each of the judges.

In the Constitutional Court – the most important pillar of democracy in our country’s institutions – there must be the most honorable and highest moral character. I have pointed this out repeatedly in my statements. In the same way, the reputation of the Constitutional Court is of the greatest importance for the country and democracy. This is based on the reputation of each of its members. For this reason, I want to be sure that every one of its members is of absolutely impeccable reputation.

I have received a letter from the Prosecutor’s office, which has made me even more convinced of my decision not to attend the swearing-in today of the last of the new candidates. Further, he has asked that this swearing-in not take place until the all circumstances regarding the signals and information available have been cleared up.

Therefore, I consider that it is my duty not to allow the Constitutional Court to be hostage to personal interests and to have public confidence in institutions undermined, which would have only negative consequences, both in Bulgaria and abroad.

I congratulate the other judges wholeheartedly. I wish success to all of them. The Constitutional Court is a pillar of democracy. With the deepest conviction that this is the case, I have been honest.

Thank you.