site.btaThree Candidates for Constitutional Judges Presented in Parliament

The three candidates for constitutional judges were presented in the plenary session of the National Assembly on Friday. For the two seats from the parliamentary quota in the Constitutional Court there are three nominees - Desislava Atanasova (GERB-UDF), Borislav Belazelkov (Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria) and Tsveta Rangelova (Vazrazhdane). The candidates were presented in alphabetical order.

Borislav Belazelkov is among the most respected lawyers both in the judicial circles and in society, with over 40 years of professional experience, said Nikola Minchev, who presented his candidacy. Belazelkov is a professional with exceptional knowledge and experience in various fields of law, he said. Minchev stressed that one of his main causes is the protection of the independence of the judiciary as the main guarantor of the democratic development of Bulgaria and the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Desislava Atanasova is one of the most experienced parliamentarians, she was minister of health and has the necessary legal experience to hold the post of constitutional judge - these were some of the highlights in the presentation of the nomination of GERB-UDF. Her candidacy was presented by Ekaterina Zaharieva. Desislava Atanasova knows the legislative process and the legal acts extremely well and is the sponsor of 316 legislative initiatives, including for amending and supplementing the Constitution. Zaharieva also noted that Atanasova is an open and direct person, open to dialogue.

Tsveta Rangelova has more than 21 years of legal experience, said Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of Vazrazhdane, who presented her nomination. Throughout her professional career until now, her work has been related to legal defence in all areas of law. She enjoys a good reputation among her colleagues and is often among the elected delegates to the annual general meetings of lawyers in the country, Kostadinov added. He stressed that she is also an active member of society who champions public causes.

The election of constitutional judges was included as the first item on the agenda at the suggestion of Parliament Chair Rosen Zhelyazkov at the beginning of the plenary session. After the presentation of the candidates, the debate began.