The European Day of Lay Judges: 9 – 11 May 2025 Bergamo, Italy / Mimo Garcia’s speech

MIMO GARCIA’s speech 

May 10, 2025, Bergamo, Italy

For me, this is an emotional time, but also a time for reflection.

My four-year term as a lay judge is almost over. During this period, significant progress was made: Bulgarian lay judges now have a website; a foundation was established through which I created a show explaining the rights and obligations of candidates and current lay judges; and Bulgaria has become an active member of the European Network of Associations of Lay Judges (ENALJ). I represented Bulgaria at ENALJ’s annual conferences in Poland (2022), Germany (2024), and Italy (2025). Additionally, I organized the first-ever conference and celebration of the European Day of Lay Judges in Bulgaria in 2023.

Most importantly, I dedicated my time to promoting the institution of lay judges, as many Bulgarians are unaware that ordinary citizens, without legal education, can participate in judicial panels. Through interviews with various media outlets, including Bulgarian National Radio, and a press conference at the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, I encouraged active citizenship and motivated people to apply for lay judge service.

Since January 2025, I have been a candidate for a second term. I believe the recognition I’ve received for running a citizen-focused campaign, is genuine. I built a website detailing my work from 2021 to 2025, and a book containing my report was published.

I have always maintained that „lay judges can be a bridge between citizens and the judiciary”. Lay judges represent citizens in court, but to be effective, they must maintain open dialogue with those they represent and ensure the public understands their role.

Unfortunately, this is not the current practice in Bulgaria. Most lay judges are not well-known in their communities, are not accountable to citizens, and do not communicate with them. In every country, especially ours, the judicial system faces criticism for alleged political and oligarchic connections and corruption. Lay judges offer an opportunity for society to feel reassured through civil oversight.

Such oversight, however, requires active lay judges who read case files, ask questions of the parties involved, and participate fully in the confidential deliberations of the judicial panel. They must also explain their work to citizens. Too often, people are confined to their personal and professional bubbles, which often overlap. Magistrates (judges and prosecutors) frequently socialize outside of court, forming friendships that can make it difficult for outsiders to know them closely. When citizens know and trust someone working in the judicial system, their confidence in the system grows.

This is where lay judges play a vital role. As individuals from diverse professions with access to different „bubbles”, they can foster trust in the judicial system when they perform their duties diligently.

The quality of lay judges is critical. I have colleagues who, over four years, have not read a single case yet vote on decisions that affect people’s lives. To me, this is a grave moral failing. To address this, I have encouraged friends whom I know would never engage in such behavior to apply as lay judges. I am thrilled that Ms. Rositsa Kyoseva and Ms. Gabriela Kuncheva have agreed to be candidates.

In Bulgaria, the selection of lay judges is a two-stage process. First, candidates are reviewed by the relevant municipal council, which conducts document checks, interviews, and a vote. Successful candidates then proceed to the General Assembly of judges from the higher court, which makes the final decision. Ms. Kyoseva, Ms. Kuncheva, and I have passed the first stage and are awaiting the second stage’s decision.

I had a constructive discussion with the municipal council, which congratulated me on my achievements and pledged to support a discussion and working group with the Minister of Justice, a former council chairman.

If re-elected, I will advocate for:

– Raising the criteria for lay judges;

– Encouraging lay judges to provide insight into their work during their term;

– Increasing compensation, which is currently low and deters many potential candidates;

– Improving communication with employers to ensure they respect employees’ civic duty as lay judges.

I believe much remains to be done in the next four years. In a world facing division, Europe can set an example of democracy and a robust judicial system capable of resisting autocratic pressures.

Thank you!

Read a summary of the conference