Vasil Petkov, a judge at the Military Court of Appeal, is running for a seat on the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). He has set out his priorities if he is elected: enough money for the judiciary, a new way to set magistrates' pay, and faster promotion competitions.

Petkov says competitions for promotion and transfer should be run separately for each court or each appellate region. The current system causes long delays and needs to change, he says. Panels should include judges from the relevant level, but of higher rank.

To make spending more efficient, he proposes central buying for public procurement, tighter control of costs and updated court fees.

If elected, he will seek constant contact, with clear messages for judges, court staff nationwide and the other council members. Petkov said he would defend his position without hesitation, but would also accept that other views can be right.

Pay, he believes, should depend more on the rank a magistrate has earned, and not only on the post they hold.