Popova is a member of the center-right GERB party and will assume the vice presidency in January. Sources close to SNA say that this is an attempt to backpedal on the reforms Popova attempted.
The outgoing minister has pushed for a number of amendments and bills including one that wound mandate inquiries into and seizure of unexplained wealth worth more than BGN 150,000 (just over US$100,000).
The parliament’s inaction was met with chagrin by the European Union (EU) when they failed to pass this bill in July. The EU who viewed it as an important tool in fight against organized crime and corruption.
The Council of Europe’s body of experts on constitutional law, the Venice Commission, suggested that the law be passed this summer and enter into force by 2012.
The law could give the state Commission for Establishing of Property Acquired from Criminal Activity the right to investigate bank accounts of family members of anyone who cannot furnish proof of legal right to their income in court. Any wealth or possessions derived from criminal activity would be subject to seizure.
The bill originally stipulated that it could make inquiries up to 25 years in the past, but unconfirmed sources told SNA that it would now be retroactive for only five years.
The ruling GERB party and its leader Boyko Borisov were elected two years ago on promises to fight organized crime and corruption, and many in Europe and the United States view this bill as a major indicator that he has fulfilled his promises, as many high level corruption cases so far have ended in acquittal.
