For our government, completing reforms in the justice system remains a priority, because a modern and effective justice system is essential for citizens, the economy, social cohesion, and the functioning of our state as a whole, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stated on Tuesday in his remarks during the Opening Ceremony of the New Judicial Year at the Supreme Constitutional Court.
According to President Christodoulides, the independence of the judiciary is a non-negotiable prerequisite for democracy, and respect for it is not only a constitutional imperative, but an obligation for all of us who serve the institutions of the State. “Personally, as the guardian of the Constitution at this juncture, I will never—never—ever deviate from this inviolable principle. Because only a truly independent judiciary can effectively protect human rights and freedoms, check state power, and ensure equality before the law,” he emphasized.
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Moreover, the separation of powers clearly defines the responsibilities and limits of each institution, while, at the same time, mutual respect and cooperation are essential elements for the effective functioning of the state, he continued, adding that the Executive Branch’s responsibility toward the Judiciary also falls within this framework, “to ensure, with absolute respect for its independence, the conditions that will allow it to carry out its mission smoothly and effectively, with the necessary infrastructure, sufficient resources, modern technological tools, and a legislative and institutional framework, and this is where the responsibility of the House of Representatives comes in, as it responds to current realities.”
“Based on this reasoning, our Government’s policy aims to strengthen—in close cooperation with the courts and within the scope of our own responsibilities— all factors that are relevant and can contribute to the smooth and unimpeded administration of justice, with absolute respect for its constitutionally guaranteed independence and autonomy. And, of course, these include legislative changes and regulations aimed at restructuring jurisdictions, simplifying procedures, and saving judicial time, so that we may achieve what society demands of us all—namely, the acceleration of the administration of justice at both the appellate and trial court levels,” he further emphasized.
According to the President of the Republic, a substantial change has taken place in the country’s judicial landscape in recent years, with the reform that took effect on July 1, 2023, and the establishment of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeals, serving as key pillars in the administration of justice. He added that this process was complemented by the further restructuring of administrative justice, with the establishment of the Administrative Court of Appeals and the new structure of the administrative courts under the Supreme Constitutional Court,
“However, the effort does not stop at institutional restructuring. The quality of the administration of justice—and, in particular, the time required to resolve a case—remain issues on which we must continue to work with determination. It is, after all, a challenge that I have repeatedly highlighted, reflecting the sentiment of society, and one that the Judiciary itself has placed very high on its list of priorities,” he went on to say.
He added that to achieve this goal, technology is now an indispensable tool, with the digitization of judicial proceedings, the utilization of new technologies, and the further development of i-Justice creating new opportunities for better case management, greater transparency, and easier access to justice for citizens.
He also noted that another goal of the Government is the development and improvement of infrastructure and court facilities, as well as staffing, which will further contribute to high standards in the administration of justice, “For this reason, the effort to ensure a faster and more effective administration of justice must continue, without any compromise on the quality of decisions or the guarantees of a fair trial.”
“For our government, the completion of reforms in the justice system remains a priority. Not as an end in itself—after all, reform alone does not guarantee success. But because a modern and effective justice system is essential for citizens, the economy, social cohesion, and the functioning of our state as a whole,” he emphasized.
President Christodoulides went on to note that the justice system is now called upon to operate in an environment very different from that of the past, as new technologies, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, new forms of economic crime, cross-border cases, data protection, and many other requirements for the protection of fundamental rights create a complex legal environment and new challenges for the justice system.
He added that within this environment, strong and independent institutions are more necessary than ever, with the courts playing a particularly important role in defending the constitutional order, the rule of law, and citizens’ rights. “The responsibility borne by our judges is great, just as great as the trust that the State and society place in the judiciary,” she noted in this regard.
In closing, he expressed the State’s recognition and gratitude to all those who serve the justice system on a daily basis— the judges, attorneys, court clerks, and all administrative and support staff, who contribute daily to the smooth functioning of the judicial system.
“I am well aware that your work is demanding. Your responsibility is enormous, but your mission is even greater. I therefore call on you to continue our joint effort with determination, for this is indeed a joint effort, for a justice system worthy of the Republic of Cyprus, a modern European democracy based on the rule of law, a justice system that serves, first and foremost, the people and society,” he emphasized.
“With these thoughts in mind, I wish the President and the members of the Supreme Constitutional Court, as well as all those who serve in the judiciary, a creative, productive, and successful new judicial year. With the certainty that all of us, each through our own institutional role, share a common obligation to serve a State in which the law applies to all and justice is accessible, independent, and effective for all of us,” he concluded.
