Montenegro has officially appointed Valentina Pavlicic as the new president of its Supreme Court, a position that has remained vacant since December 2020. This decision comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty and is seen as a crucial step towards restoring trust in the countryโs judiciary.
Key Takeaways
- Valentina Pavlicic elected as Supreme Court president after a vacancy of nearly four years.
- Former president Vesna Medenica resigned amid controversy and legal troubles.
- Pavlicic emphasizes the need to restore trust and improve conditions within the judiciary.
Background
The Judicial Council of Montenegro convened on Friday to elect Valentina Pavlicic, who previously served as a representative to the European Court of Human Rights and as a Higher Court judge in Podgorica. Her election marks a significant moment for Montenegroโs judicial system, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Pavlicicโs appointment received unanimous support from the seven members of the Judicial Council present at the session. Notably, the Council has ten members, but one seat is vacant due to a memberโs death, and another member was ineligible to vote as she was a candidate for the same position. The Justice Minister, Bojan Bozovic, was absent from the meeting.
Challenges Ahead
In her first remarks following the election, Pavlicic acknowledged the poor conditions within the judiciary and the damaging accusations that have undermined its authority. She stated, "I did not sign up to drink coffee at the Supreme Court; I signed up to contribute to strengthening the judiciary."
Pavlicicโs commitment to improving the judicial landscape is crucial, especially in light of the controversies surrounding her predecessor. The former president, Vesna Medenica, resigned in December 2020 after her third term was criticized by the European Commission and various NGOs. Medenicaโs legal troubles escalated when she was arrested in April 2022 for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and abuse of power.
The Path Forward
Pavlicicโs election comes at a time when the judiciaryโs reputation is at stake. She has expressed a strong desire to restore trust in the judicial system, stating, "The honor and reputation of the judicial profession should be defended. The Supreme Court, led by the president, should be the pinnacle or beacon of justice."
Her nomination was supported by the majority of judges during a general session of the Supreme Court on November 19, indicating a collective desire for change within the judiciary.
Conclusion
Valentina Pavlicicโs election as the new president of Montenegroโs Supreme Court is a pivotal moment for the countryโs judicial system. With a commitment to improving conditions and restoring trust, her leadership will be closely watched as Montenegro navigates the challenges ahead in its quest for a more transparent and effective judiciary.
