Konstantin Penchev, who was recently named by the Parliament to become Bulgaria's new Ombudsman was officially released Tuesday as Chair of the Supreme Administrative Court (VAS).

The decree of Bulgaria's President, Georgi Parvanov, was published in the State Gazette, clearing the way for Penchev to assume the new post. He will take the oath of office before the Members of the Parliament Wednesday and start work Thursday.

Also on Thursday, the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS) must launch a procedure for Penchev's replacement at VAS and appoint a temporary Court Chair.

The law mandates Penchev to resign from the Court position and submit the resignation with the Supreme Judicial Council (VSS), which he did on October 14.. VSS sends the resignation to the President, who must issue a decree for the Court Chair's release from duties.

The new nomination must be made by no less than five VSS members together and/or by the Justice Minister. The candidate, who receives more than two thirds of the VSS secret vote (17 votes out of 25 members total), would be appointed as new Chair of the Supreme Administrative Court.

VAS currently has 22 members after Penchev's leaving and the resignations of Ivan Dimov and Stoyko Stoev over alleged ties with a person who offered magistrates to secure for them high-ranking posts in exchange for cash payments, however, this does not change the 17-votes requirement.

The names tossed around the most often are those of the Chair of the Sofia City Court, Georgi Kolev, and the magistrate from the Constitutional Court, Rumen Nenkov, but media reports cite unofficial sources the latter has declined the nomination.

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