Skopje, 3 February 2025 (MIA) - Judiciary in the country is broadly criticized and under continued threat, including permanent challenging of its decisions. Unfortunately, this environment shows that the rule of law foundations are still fragile. Civil society can play an enormous role as guardian of the judiciary's ethics and independence but also provide proposals for legislative improvements, said French Ambassador Christophe le Rigoleur on Monday.

Ambassador Rigoleur delivered remarks at the session of Working Group 3 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights (Chapter 23), organized by the European Movement, themed "Paths to Judicial Integrity and Independence: A Key Challenge in Rule of Law Reforms and the Fight against Corruption."

"Unfortunately, this environment shows that the foundations of the rule of law are still fragile and that nothing is ever finished, whereas work and commitment of all stakeholders is important more than ever. Therefore, the whole of judiciary plays a key role as a rule of law guarantee, a role that is important and one that we should continually highlight," said Rigoleur.

He added that integrity, impartiality and independence of the judiciary are crucial, whereas judges and prosecutors are there to defend those principles and ensure that integrity of the sector is preserved.

"In France for example, whenever the judiciary's independence is violated, disciplinary proceedings can be initiated over inconsistent developments, but one must also ethics into account as well," said the French Ambassador.

He welcomed the implementation of a majority of the 2023 recommendations by the Judicial Council, while encouraging all parties concerned to resume on that path, thus guaranteeing the judiciary's independence, "which is a key element in a democratic society".

"The associations of judges and prosecutors can provide an added input, the Academy for Judges and Prosecutors plays an essential training role in ensuring the integrity and impartiality of judges and prosecutors. Other mechanisms are also needed to have this independence of judges and prosecutors, such as funding and relevant legislation," underlined Ambassador Rigoleur.

Photo: MIA