Skopje, 31 March 2026 (MIA) — In a statement released Tuesday to mark March 31, Macedonian Judiciary Day, Minister of Justice Igor Filkov called for greater independence and integrity in the judiciary and pledged to accelerate legal reforms and work on restoring public trust.

In his statement addressed to judges, prosecutors, lawyers and judicial staff, Filkov stressed that "this day is a reminder that justice is not a mere principle, but our duty to citizens, to the state and to the future."

He said an independent judiciary was essential to democracy. Legal professionals, he added, "have to continue building a system together that will be resistant to outside influence, efficient in its proceedings and consistent in its application of the law."

He said the Ministry of Justice with him at the helm remained fully committed to reforms, including drafting better laws, greater transparency, digitization of the legal system and strengthening judicial integrity.

The justice minister also said the judicial process must be both timely and impartial. "Justice must not be slow nor selective," he said. "It must be secure, consistent and equal for all."

"Happy Macedonian Judiciary Day. Responsibility is shared — the results must be visible," Filkov said. mr/