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Figel Decries State of Judiciary, Suggests Direct Election of Judges
Sunday 02 May 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Bratislava, May 2 (TASR) - Opposition Christian Democrats (KDH) Chairman Jan Figel says he considers Slovakia's judiciary to be in disarray, which is why it requires legislative changes involving its institutions as well as personnel.
"One option is to institute security clearance tests for all judges; another is to choose some members of the Judicial Council in elections by the public or by direct election," Figel told TASR.
Some of KDH's plans will require constitutional changes. "We propose opening up discussion about direct election of judges. There are such models in the world," said Figel. "But this is a question for a discussion that has yet to take place in Slovakia," he said.
According to Figel, a solution accommodating direct election of judges is beneficial in that it enhances the public control over judiciary as a third pillar of the executive power without putting its independence at risk.
Figel observed that the problems for the judiciary are not only its internal difficulties but also its results. "Mafiosos are smiling as they leave the jail and decent people cannot obtain justice," he said, saying that KDH thinks that Slovakia is ceasing to be a law-based state.
"Our response combines systemic and personnel changes. Both are, of course, vital, but personnel issues are more important since ... people are always the most crucial," said Figel.
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