Filkov: The election of public prosecutors will no longer be a formality or a result of agreements – but a process based on merit, integrity and professionalism
The Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, today addressed the event "European Standards for Disciplinary and Election Mechanisms in the Judiciary", organized by NKEU-MK, emphasizing that the development of quality and transparent mechanisms for selection, promotion and disciplinary accountability is a key prerequisite for an efficient judicial system that works as a service of citizens.
"The impartiality and independence of judges are central pillars of the rule of law. Only through their consistent respect can we ensure legal certainty, protection of human rights and increase public trust in institutions," Filkov emphasized.
Ensuring full independence and increasing the efficiency of the judiciary are a clear priority of the Government and the Ministry of Justice, with special focus on electoral and disciplinary mechanisms in the preparation of new legal solutions, in accordance with European standards.
Filkov informed that reforms in the Judicial Council are already being implemented. The new law establishes clear criteria for election and dismissal, tightens the requirements for professional experience, and specifies the term "prominent lawyer".
Public hearings have been introduced for the election of non-judicial members, as well as a public and transparent announcement for members elected by the Parliament. The disciplinary procedure for members of the Council is regulated in detail, with clearly defined bases for responsibility and composition of the disciplinary commission.
An urgent procedure for determining the responsibility of a judge or president of a court is also envisaged, which cannot last longer than six months.
The Minister expressed his expectation that the Law on Public Prosecution will soon be adopted by the Parliament. It incorporates European recommendations, introduces a clear merit system for the selection, promotion and evaluation of public prosecutors, as well as precise deadlines for procedures.
"We are strengthening the guarantees for the independence of prosecutors and we are precisely limiting the conditions under which mandatory written instructions can be given. We regulate supervision systematically, without interfering in specific cases," Filkov emphasized.
The legal amendments also provide for precise grounds for termination of office, including in cases of a final conviction for a crime against official duty. The disciplinary procedure will have to be completed within six months, and in more complex cases no later than nine months. In accordance with GRECO recommendations, a gradation of disciplinary violations into minor, more serious and most serious, is being introduced.
At the last session, the Government also adopted the new Law on the Council of Public Prosecutors. It introduces a higher threshold and clear criteria for the selection of members from among prosecutors, as well as a transparent and inclusive procedure for members elected by the Parliament.
“The selection of public prosecutors will no longer be a formality or a result of closed agreements – but a process based on merit, integrity and professionalism,” said the Minister.
Every decision of the Council – on election, promotion, disciplinary liability or dismissal – will be mandatorily explained and publicly announced, making transparency a legal obligation.
The Minister stressed that the changes are a result of weaknesses identified in the judicial system in the past period, such as lengthy procedures, cases of corruption, insufficient transparency and the absence of effective accountability.
"With these legal solutions, we directly address these problems. We have prepared amendments to about thirty laws, most of which are of essential importance for the judiciary. We have the opportunity to create a judiciary that we can all rely on - transparent, professional and impartial," Filkov noted.
