Омбудсман на Република България
Summary
The Омбудсман на Република България (Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria) is a supreme independent constitutional body established by Art. 91a of the Bulgarian Constitution (added by amendment in 2006) and governed by the Ombudsman Act. The Ombudsman is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term, renewable once. The Ombudsman may be recalled by the National Assembly on specified grounds before the end of the term. The institution investigates complaints about violations of rights and freedoms by state and municipal authorities, can make legislative recommendations, and monitors human rights protections for vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities and children. Since 2007 the Ombudsman has also served as Bulgaria's National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, conducting independent inspections of detention facilities. Annual reports are submitted to the National Assembly and made public.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Закон за омбудсмана; чл. 91а от Конституцията на Република България
- Citation
- Ombudsman Act (Bulgaria); Constitution of Bulgaria, Art. 91a (added by amendment 2006)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Defense of fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens against maladministration and unlawful or improper action by state and municipal authorities; also serves as National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT.