ZAGREB, 23 Oct (Hina) – Both the parliamentary majority and opposition on Thursday backed proposed amendments to judicial laws aimed at speeding up court procedures, improving efficiency, and restoring public trust, although some opposition MPs voiced doubt that the measures would achieve these goals.
The discussion focused on amendments to the Courts Act and the USKOK (Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime) Act. Parliamentarians welcomed the fact that some of the cases at the Zagreb County Court would be taken over by the Varaždin County Court. Changes related to the right to a trial within a reasonable time were also positively received.
Ante Babić (HDZ) highlighted that the amendments bring concrete improvements, specifying faster case resolution and greater transparency in court operations.
Tonči Restović (SDP) acknowledged some progress but said the changes would not significantly increase court efficiency or public confidence. He criticised the USKOK amendments, particularly reducing the required experience for its director from 15 to 10 years, eliminating periodic security checks, and expanding powers of the Attorney General.
Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation Minister Damir Habijan said that the number of unresolved cases had been reduced from 475,000 in 2020 to 399,000 in Q3 this year, the goal being to reduce the number to 300,000 by the end of next year.
He noted that 1.3 million new cases arrive at courts annually.
Dalibor Paus (IDS) and Dalija Orešković (DOSIP) warned that the root problem lies in judicial staffing policies and the appointment of politically connected individuals, affecting judicial independence.
Ante Kujundžić (Bridge) criticised the long-standing delays and inconsistent practices, stating that cases involving political figures are often prolonged until they expire, eroding public trust.
Minister Habijan responded that the government deliberately avoids the term “reform” due to public sensitivity. “This is not reform, but our effort to address challenges in the judiciary and improve public perception,” he said.
