Greek Judges’ Association calls for change in judicial leadership selection
The Union of Judges and Prosecutors has called for sweeping reforms to address what it describes as long-standing structural problems in Greece’s justice system, with particular emphasis on changing the way the leadership of the judiciary is appointed.
In a statement issued following its General Assembly on Dec. 13, held at the Athens Court of Appeal, the association urged the state to adopt constitutional and legislative measures aimed at restoring public trust in the justice system.
Among its key demands, the Union proposed that the selection of the judiciary’s leadership should no longer be an exclusive prerogative of the government of the day. Instead, it argued that the democratically expressed will of the judicial body should be taken into account in a binding manner, especially in the context of an upcoming constitutional revision.
The association also called for a ban on retired judges and prosecutors taking up public office for a period of three years after leaving the judicial corps, citing concerns over institutional independence and public confidence.
In addition, judges and prosecutors demanded legislative measures to ensure the smooth conduct of trials and to guarantee the protection of judicial officials both inside and outside courtrooms. They appealed to political parties to refrain from comments, exhortations, or interventions in ongoing judicial cases, warning that such practices undermine trust in the institution of justice.
The statement further expressed concern shared by European judges over what it described as increasing interference by national governments in judicial work across Europe.
While acknowledging the legitimate goal of speeding up the issuance of court decisions, the Union stressed that efficiency must not come at the expense of quality, thorough examination of cases, or the prevention of professional burnout among judicial officials. To this end, it called for an increase in the number of judicial posts at appellate courts nationwide and for the institutionalization of judicial mediation as a primary tool for the out-of-court resolution of disputes.
Finally, the Union reiterated its economic demands, including the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th monthly salaries in the public sector, a 20% increase in base salaries, and the restoration of allowances to pre-2010 crisis levels, arguing that these measures are necessary to offset the long-term erosion of judges’ real incomes.
