Skopje, 15 March 2024 (MIA) - Reforms, strengthening the competences of the Constitutional Court and support from stakeholders in order to fulfill strategic commitments were some of the main messages conveyed at Friday's event on the Constitutional Court's 60th anniversary. 

At the opening of today's international conference entitled "Constitutional Court Protection of Freedom of Thought and Freedom of Expression" in the Parliament, Caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi said that it is important to continue with reforms which will allow the Constitutional Court to make decisions in accordance with the country's strategic commitments.

"The Constitutional Court acts freely in its capacities, but, as a country, it is important to enable a systematic solution that will facilitate equal rights for everyone. The Court can and should play a major role in defending human rights and the rule of law," Xhaferi stressed.

He added that constitutional changes are frequent because it is a living matter and must keep up with the world.

"We are not doing it for others, but ourselves, because the great Europe needs us as a successful European model so that we can continue to develop equally," Xhaferi said.

Parliament Speaker Jovan Mitreski said that the anniversary is a reflection not only of the continuity of our statehood from the previous system, but also of our strong commitment to an independent, sovereign, and democratic country that values human rights and freedoms.

He noted that trust in the judiciary has declined, adding that everyone must take concrete measures to overcome that situation.

"The Constitutional Court is not and must not be the only institution that is concerned with a worthy division of power and complete independence and autonomy of the judiciary. The responsibility lies also with the legislative and executive power, and, above all, with all stakeholders that should make decisions with integrity, not succumb to any influences, and act in accordance with the law," Mitreski pointed out.

According to him, that is the only way to ensure the rule of law and trust in judiciary, which is a prerequisite for respecting human rights, civil, social, and economic freedoms; as well as for economic progress, prosperity, and development, i.e. ensuring the functionality of the system.

Justice Minister Krenar Lloga noted that engagement of the judicial, legislative and executive authorities is needed to keep the Constitutional Court up to the task.

"The engagement of the judicial, legislative and executive authorities is needed to keep the Constitutional Court up to task and remain a factor that guarantees the rights and values with professionalism and complete independence in the decision-making process," Lloga said.

The 2024-2028 Judicial Sector Development Strategy, he pointed out, pays particular attention to the Constitutional Court and one of its conclusions is that professional discussion is needed to strengthen the Constitutional Court's competencies.

"The documents state that we need professional discussion on whether it is necessary, in the current media of the social and political environment, to strengthen the competencies especially in the context of the protection of human rights and freedoms. Additionally, it was concluded that the executors of the Court’s competencies require the opening of a debate on reforms in the direction of the legal arrangement of its competencies," Lloga explained.

The conference brings together representatives of constitutional courts from other countries, international institutions, media and NGOs. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA