| Can global rule of law reports, even those from prestigious organisations, be trusted? Today, my clear answer is no, after seeing the news that my native Bulgaria tops the Rule of Law Index 2023 in terms of progress made, published by the US-based World Justice Project. According to the report, 14 of the EU’s 27 member states regressed between 2022 and 2023. But among those that made progress, Bulgaria ranked number one on the global scale (+1.7%), while another EU member, Slovenia, came in fourth (+1.6%).
I am not going to comment on Slovenia, but of all countries being singled out as the most reformist in the world, Bulgaria as the champion sounds bizarre, to say the least. Of course, since it joined the EU in 2007, Bulgaria has made progress in the rule of law, but any improvement in the 2022-2023 period is questionable, and that’s putting it mildly.
I asked two well-known Bulgarian journalists to share their thoughts.
Doroteya Dachkova, probably the most experienced reporter on judiciary matters, who works for the reputable website Sega, said the US-made analysis is “out of touch with reality” although some in Sofia may like its findings.
She said the new Euro-Atlantic government of Bulgaria indeed attempted a constitutional reform. However, she added, the project it proposed was met with criticism from various experts and it remains to be seen what the final texts will be. | 