Business Sees Bulgaria as Corrupt - Justice Minister

Diana Kovacheva (pictured) replaced Margarita Popova as Bulgaria's Justice Minister. Photo by BGNES

The business perceives Bulgaria as a country in which corruption prevails, newly appointed Bulgarian Justice Minister Diana Kovacheva has admitted.

"Bulgaria turned out to be the last among all EU member states and a lot of efforts are now necessary. One of the emerging issues is that of the legislative dynamics which have been creating a sense of insecurity in the business," Kovacheva told the Bulgarian National Television on Wednesday, referring to the recently Transparency International corruption perception index.

"What has not been done (in Bulgaria) is working enough with the business so that it can be stimulated to create its own anti-corruption program," the Minister stated.

She added that the Bulgaria should send strong signals to the business showing that its state administration is predictable and working properly.

Kovacheva further noted that the long-delayed bill on confiscation of unexplained wealth is now viewed as a key priority and will be a vital measure against organized crime and corruption in Bulgaria.

"This project should be passed as soon as possible," the newly appointed Justice Minister declared.

Kovacheva replaced Margarita Popova, who was elected in October as Vice President on the ticket of the ruling, center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party (GERB).

Diana Kovacheva had worked for the Institute for Legal Sciences at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS). She became Executive Director of Transparency International Bulgaria in 2002.

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