Statement by Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić

Having in mind the previously given recommendations of GRECO and the Venice Commission, which referred to the need to reduce the influence of the executive power over judiciary, I decided not to take part in the work of the Judicial Council. In this way, I want to make a full contribution to improving the independence of the Council and respect the legal profession as the only one relevant for judicial appointments.

I would like to emphasise that the reform of the judiciary and prosecutor's office is the fundamental pillar of the rule of law in Montenegro and that the Government I head, in the domain of its constitutional and legal powers, supports any activity that contributes to that goal. I hope that the time when the executive power used to exercise undue influence over the judicial office holders is behind us now. Such influence violated the Constitutional principle of separation of powers, calling into question the professional independence of the judiciary system.

The mission of the Judicial Council must be dedicated to finding the best staffing solutions in the judiciary, in order to enable Montenegrin citizens to effectively protect their rights and legal interests.