Judges and juries support the ECJ: After 35 years, it is time for more effective prosecution of the most serious forms of crime

Demokrati have marked three months in government with a public meeting in Ločica near the Savinja River, where party leader Anže Logar, deputy prime minister and minister for economy, labor, and sports, presented initial achievements and legislative changes prepared by the party's ministers. Logar addressed members and supporters, emphasizing their decision to enter government and highlighting satisfaction among attendees regarding the party’s work so far. Logar acknowledged the decision to join the government, stating that having more time would mean not being in government. He emphasized that the choice had been made by the members present. Attendees expressed contentment with the party's efforts, with one supporter noting the improved relationship with the business community. Others highlighted the work of MPs and ministers, expecting the party to translate its ideas into government decisions. Three ministers attended the gathering, outlining what they had already achieved in their first months and what larger changes they were preparing. Minister Mihael Zupančič outlined four priority tasks, beginning with SKOK, a system for specialized prosecution of corruption and organized crime. This initiative connects reinforced specialized state prosecution, the National Investigative Office, and a new specialized court. The goal is to create a connected path from the discovery of criminal activity through police investigation to prosecution and trial. Zupančič aims to establish a culture of effective prosecution instead of a culture of minimal responsibility. He emphasized the need for the state to provide appropriate authority and conditions for police, prosecutors, and courts to perform their duties without unnecessary delays. SKOK is just one task for the ministry. Zupančič listed procedural law reforms, a new courthouse, and reducing the workload of judges as top priorities. He explained that parts of the legal process where judicial decisions are not essential could be transferred to other legal professions such as notaries. This would allow judges to focus on more complex cases requiring judicial judgment. Health Minister Tadej Ostrc mentioned that the first months focused on reviewing open issues, drawing down European funds, and managing finances. Intensive work was done on accessing recovery and resilience funds and other European resources. Ostrc noted that European money comes with responsibilities, emphasizing that Slovenia cannot receive these funds without accountability. The Society of Judges and Jurors supports the establishment of the Specialized Criminal Court (SKOK), calling for faster procedures, greater expertise, responsibility, and measurable results. They highlight the importance of better financial tracking and the seizure of illegally acquired assets. Despite numerous laws and institutions established over the past 35 years, the society points out that long-lasting criminal proceedings and delays remain a concern for the public. The society supports the proposed SKOK law but has sent 14 specific proposals to the Ministry of Justice to improve the implementation of the reform. They emphasize that potential challenges should be addressed rather than halting the reform itself. Concerns include possible overburdening of the Higher Court in Maribor under the proposed structure. However, the society argues that this does not justify abandoning the reform. Instead, solutions such as redistributing cases among higher courts or ensuring adequate staffing should be considered. The society also raises the issue of responsibility within judicial institutions. If additional staff, resources, or different working arrangements are needed for the reform, responsible authorities must ensure these conditions are met. If obstacles exist, they should be clearly defined along with practical solutions and timelines. Ultimately, the society stresses that the success of SKOK should be measured by tangible outcomes, including the number of major cases concluded, duration of criminal proceedings, number of delays, reasons for overturned decisions, effectiveness of asset seizures, and how much illegally obtained property has been actually recovered. These metrics will determine whether the reform achieves its intended goals.