Filkov: The Reform Agenda is a path to the EU, I do not deviate from the idea of a legal state

In an interview with The Kurir, the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov, referring to the Reform Agenda, said that it is the roadmap that we have taken as an obligation to the citizens and the European Union.

"The Reform Agenda is not just a document. Each point in that agenda means something concrete - a fair trial, an independent judge, protection of victims, greater trust.

That is the agenda that everyone previously ignored, and we are working intensively and dedicatedly on it. To date, of the eight laws with a deadline of June 2025, seven have already been sent to the government procedure: the Law on the Judicial Council, the Law on Judges' Salaries, the Law on Public Prosecutors' Salaries, the Law on the Salaries of Members of the Judicial Council of the Republic of Macedonia, the Law on the Salaries of Members of the Council of Public Prosecutors of the Republic of Macedonia, the Law on Judicial Service and the Law on Public Prosecutor's Service. In addition to these laws, four more have been sent to the government: the Law on Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest, the Law on Civil Procedure, the Law on Misdemeanors and the Law on Protected Reporting and Protection of Whistleblowers”, Filkov emphasizes.

The goal, according to Filkov, is not to mark a “law submitted”, but to submit a law that will stand the test of time and trust.

,,We are not in a hurry, but we work in a timely and substantive manner. Each of these laws is a result of debates, consultations and expert work. The reforms are serious – and this is also evident from the fact that the Venice Commission gave a positive opinion on the Law on the Judicial Council. That is no small matter. This is a European stamp”, adds Minister of Justice Igor Filkov.

Regarding the Law on the Judicial Council, which is in government procedure and for which the Venice Commission gave a positive opinion, Minister Filkov believes that this is a fundamental reform of the system that must function in the service of citizens, and not the interests of a few.

“The public is rightly appalled by the scandals and nepotism in the body that should be the guardian of judicial independence. What we have seen – from ignoring ethical norms to evading responsibility – is unacceptable in any democratic society. The interpellation was not just a political act – it was a call for moral responsibility. But apparently, some have lost their sensitivity to public shame. Therefore, the state must set new rules that will not depend on the goodwill of individuals, but on clear, legally defined criteria. This law finally establishes objective and measurable criteria for the selection, assessment and dismissal of members of the Judicial Council. Through a transparent procedure, regular evaluation, clearly established conflicts of interest and accountability mechanisms, we are building a system that will prevent abuses, not cover them up.

Will there be resistance? Yes, there will be resistance. Some will talk about “pressure” and “interventions”. But it is not about pressure, but about the end of protected positions without accountability. This law will return the Council to the citizens, where it should have always been. Justice must not be held hostage by incompetent or compromised individuals. This is our last chance to restore trust in the judicial system – and we will not allow it to be destroyed by those who have turned it into their private fortress”, says in an interview with The Kurir, the Minister of Justice, Igor Filkov.

Link to the interview: https://kurir.mk/vesti/makedonija/filkov-reformskata-agenda-e-pat-kon-eu-ne-otstapuvam-od-idejata-za-pravna-drzhava-kade-kje-vladee-pravdata