JUSTICE REFORM IN BULGARIA WELCOMED BY THE PEOPLE

A national poll for the first time researched opinions on the effects of the judicial reforms in Bulgaria, Darik Radio reports.
Some of the improvements citizens noticed include faster court proceedings, more efficient summoning of witnesses and better overall service.
 

A fifth of the polled Bulgarians said that the justice system functioned fairly. Seventeen per cent said the process was unjust.
 

At the same time people believe that the court was not independent and fell under the influence of politicians and economic interests.
 

The poll points out that efforts need to be focused on court developments in major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas, where 40 per cent of all trials are examined.
 

Nearly 3200 people participated in the survey and 1200 of them have already used the services of courts and justice institutions.
 

The justice reform in Bulgaria and Romania was accelerated this year under the EU pressure as both countries hope to become members of the block next year. (Photo: European Communities, EUexpands)