site.btaFormer Supreme Administrative Court President Penchev Urges for Serious Reorganization of Existing Courts, Prosecution Services

January 8 (BTA) - Interviewed by BTA, former Former Supreme Administrative Court President and incumbent constitutional judge Konstantin Penchev says that serious reorganization is needed of the existing system of courts and prosecution services.

In Penchev's words, the reorganization can be performed in such a way that although it will inevitably include closure of certain units, the access to justice will not be hindered.

Penchev expressed regret that a second panel of the Supreme Judicial Council has proved unable to carry out this reorganization. He is adamant that such a reform is absolutely necessary and will take place, sooner or later.

Penchev said also that the efforts for reinstating the system of administrative courts in Bulgaria proved their worth.  "A complete system of administration of administrative justice has been set up, capable of meeting people's needs for protection in their day-to-day  interactions with the administration, central and local," Penchev says.

The institution of the administrative court was reinstated in 1996, having been abolished in 1948. Before that, the system underwent various transformations and shifting of powers after the passage in April 1912 of the Administrative Justice Act which laid the groundwork for administrative justice in this country.