Skopje, 5 February 2025 (MIA) – The Pavel Shatev Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors presented Wednesday certificates to candidates for judges and prosecutors from the eighth generation of the Academy’s initial training program. Academy’s director, Irina Trajkoska Strezoska, said that a total of 97 candidates will receive certificates - 50 judges and 47 public prosecutors.

“This generation is the largest so far, with 50 judges and 47 public prosecutors, making a total of 97 candidates. All of them successfully passed the final exam, which is why we are gathered here today for the official certificate awarding ceremony,” the director said.

When asked whether young people are interested in becoming judge or public prosecutor, given the low level of trust in the judiciary, Trajkoska Strezoska said that there is interest, as candidates continue to apply.

Regarding the generation that remained “stuck” due to last year’s election process, Trajkoska Strezoska noted that the decision is up to the management board.

“The management board needs to make a decision regarding that generation. As soon as a decision is made, it will be published on our website. Since last year, the Academy has been operating transparently, with all decisions and activities made publicly available online. It is up to the management board to decide whether that generation will continue,” she noted.

When asked why the management board has not yet made a decision, Trajkoska Strezoski said that "there are authorities responsible for such matters, and in this case, the decision is up to the management board."

In regard to the candidates who received their certificates today for judges and public prosecutors, the Judicial Council president, Aleksandar Kambovski, said that the Council session will be held tomorrow, and the positions will be announced in a public notice.

“From this generation, there are 50 judges, and they will be included in the announcements for which we have already scheduled a session tomorrow. Out of the total 97 candidates, 50 are for judges and 47 for public prosecutors. This will be the initial announcement, once it is carried out, we will assess how many judge positions we can fill,” Kambovski said.

Regarding the proposed amendments to the Law on the Judicial Council, Kambovski stated that it does not fall within their jurisdiction.

When asked by journalists how he views the government's decision to introduce a legal provision allowing Parliament to dismiss judges in the future, he reiterated his position that such practices have not had a positive impact. As he explained, the country has had experience with similar approaches over the past 30 years.

“The only law that regulates this matter is the Law on the Judicial Council. We are part of the working group for its amendment, and today we held our first meeting. I cannot comment at this stage, as I have not yet seen the proposals on how this issue will be addressed,” Kambovski stated.

Photo: MIA