Skopje, 4 November 2024 (MIA) – A comprehensive reform, complete departisation of both the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors is the solution. Peer review mission recommendations should be reviewed with due and serious attention because if we keep on doing this, the next European Commission report will be negative or even worse than the previous ones, the government tells MIA.

Asked what the government’s stance is about the European Commission report, which notes that the announced dissolution of the Judicial Council and the Council of the Public Prosecution is concerning and that reforms in line with the peer review mission recommendations should be implemented, the government spokesperson’s office says that whenever the topic of dissolving these institutions arises, then “a lot of people are concerned and start defending the position that it cannot be done through experts who have been loyal followers of SDSM and DUI for years.”

“Unfortunately, the judicial and prosecution system in Macedonia is disastrous, and in fact, the Macedonian judiciary is an example of captured judiciary. At the moment, the most suitable example backing up these claims are the findings used for blatant partisation of the Steering Board of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. Thus, we confirm that the solution is a comprehensive reform, full departisation of both the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors. As soon as any procedures are launched, the public will be informed,” said the response from the government spokesperson’s office. 

Also, it is noted that the peer review mission recommendations should be reviewed with due and serious attention because they have been prepared by experts who have made them after a deep analysis. “Because if we keep on doing this, the next European Commission report will be negative or even worse than the previous ones.”

As regards the announced consultations for reforms of the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors, the government tells MIA in the statement that reforms in the judicial system after being an election promise have been included in the 2024-2028 government program, in the Front against Corruption section. 

“The government is committed to systemic solutions, transforming the judicial bodies into real, transparent, responsible and efficient institutions. We are seriously committed to the idea of passing solutions that will be the foundation of a normal democratic society. In order to pass a sustainable solution, we called for debate seeking inclusivity, but no such state is in sight by now. Thus, it is a logical question to ask whether the dissolution of these institutions concerns many? It is important to know that a time of change is coming and a chance for professionals,” said the government spokesperson’s office. 

The six-pillar, 60-page program of the government for 2024-2028 was sent to Parliament. The primary objective is to restore public trust in state institutions, curb corruption and ensure rule of law as well as economic recovery so as to create productive and well-paid jobs. The second pillar – Front against Corruption – foresees reform of the judicial system and systemic fight against corruption. 

“Laws will apply equally for all citizens regardless of their ethnicity, religion or gender. The government will offer new systemic solutions to transform the judicial bodies into independent, transparent, responsible and efficient institutions that are the foundation of every normal democratic society. It will be committed to freeing the judiciary from the constraints of the executive government and implementing policies to tackle conflict of interests in the judiciary, the existing nepotism, partisation and cronyism,” said the government program. 

It foresees dissolution and reform of the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors. In a transitional period, the government will initiate legal changes establishing strict and measurable criteria that should be met by the new members, elected after being nominated by the parliament and the President in a transparent and public procedure that will guarantee the integrity and quality of elected candidates. The government will also initiate a process to amend the Constitution regarding the composition of the Judicial Council and the Council of Public Prosecutors.  

MIA file photo