Legislative legislation to expedite cases of Members of Parliament who have had their immunity waived has been announced by Minister of Justice, Giorgos Florides, with a 10-15 day horizon.
Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum, Mr.Florides clarified that the intervention will mainly concern crimes, as there is no question of acceleration for misdemeanours, while he stressed that the regulation should be fully constitutionally compatible.
The issue was also raised in his meeting with the head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office Laura Covesi, who – he said – also asked for the acceleration of the relevant procedures.
Mr. Florides reiterated that the status of appointed judges is the responsibility of the national authorities and in particular the Supreme Judicial Council, noting that the request of Ms. Covesi confirms the recognition of this competence.
At the same time, he denied that a question of constitutionality was raised by the European Public Prosecutor, noting that this does not fall within her competence.
The minister rejected allegations of a generalised crisis in the judiciary, but announced a new legislative initiative to tackle phenomena of pressure and “bullying” against judicial officials, after consulting with judicial associations and bar associations.
