The change takes effect
Magdalena Lazarova begins serving as acting prosecutor general on 23 October. The prosecution service’s official biography records the Supreme Judicial Council Plenum’s decision of 15 October and its effective date. She succeeds Vanya Stefanova, BNR reports, for the next six months. [1]
An experienced official, an interim mandate
Lazarova has worked as a prosecutor and judge and served on the Supreme Judicial Council. She became a deputy prosecutor general in May 2025. Her new role is expressly temporary: it should not be confused with the election of a permanent prosecutor general for a full mandate. [1]
Why the rotation matters
BNR links the six-month rotation to amendments to the Judiciary Act and the expired mandate of the current Supreme Judicial Council. The broadcaster reports that prosecutors are due to begin electing their four representatives to the Prosecutors’ Chamber on 24 October. The leadership change therefore runs alongside the formation of the body expected to address longer-term appointments. [2]
Continuity does not settle accountability
For the public, the useful distinction is between keeping an institution functioning and resolving how its permanent leadership is chosen. An acting appointment answers who exercises the functions now; it does not by itself demonstrate that the appointment process has gained public confidence. The next decisions to watch are the composition of the new council, its published procedures and the reasons it gives for future choices. Those are separate tests from a change of name on the door.
