Skopje, 26 April 2023 (MIA) – The letter contains certain cases which, unfortunately, have really been drawn out. However, this is a question for the judges and those who manage the work of the judges, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Wednesday, when asked to comment on the letter sent by the United States Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Price Aggeler, to judicial and executive authorities.

In the letter sent on April 11, Aggeler expressed her concern and disappointment due to the large number of high-profile cases that the Appellate Court has returned for retrial.

In answer to a journalist’s question, Kovachevski said it is important to distinguish that a separation of powers exists in North Macedonia, and that the letter concerns the judiciary power.

When asked if this means that the letter was sent to the wrong address, the PM said that it has been “sent wherever necessary” and that the Government is open to improving the legislation, providing conditions for the functioning of the courts etc. But that, a series of draft-laws are blocked in Parliament by the opposition.

After the adoption of the new Criminal Code a few months ago, said the PM, a new law on the judicial academy has been drafted, as well as new laws for the renumeration of judges and prosecutors.

“But a lot of them are blocked in Parliament and this is a question for the opposition, not for me, because the opposition is the one blocking them and must say why it is doing so,” said Kovachevski.

The PM noted that even during a crisis year, the Government never reduced the finances for the judiciary, which they themselves manage.

According to Kovachevski, new, more detailed indicators for every member of the judiciary should be implemented, because, he said, “I wouldn’t generalize by saying that something is completely non-functional or functional.”

“This is a system made up of individuals, some of which are doing their job well, some less so, some need to improve their work, and some need to be refreshed with new staff. However, the Government is not in charge of this,” added Kovachevski.

Photo: MIA