Our effort for reforms is ongoing, with the primary goal of further enhancing the efficiency of our judicial system, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said during the confirmation ceremony of Alexandros Panagiotou as Judge of the Supreme Court.
“This is an appointment of particular institutional importance that directly concerns the functioning of one of the basic pillars of our democracy, since the Supreme Court, among many others, plays a decisive role in defending the constitutional order, legality and the rights of citizens,” noted the President of the Republic. At the same time, he continued, “the independence of the judiciary is not simply a constitutional provision. It is a prerequisite for the functioning of the rule of law, but also for society’s trust in institutions.”
“In every period, and especially in moments when citizens’ trust in institutions is tested, the responsibility of Justice becomes even greater,” he noted, adding that “adherence, therefore, to the principles of integrity, equality, and accountability is not an option for any of us, but a minimum obligation.”
At the same time, the President of the Republic underlined “that for our own governance, these principles are inviolable. The Constitution and the Laws define our every action. No one is above the law and, of course, no one is authorised to act outside this institutional framework,” he stressed.
“In a democratic state, much more so in an EU member state, justice is delivered in courtrooms and nowhere else. Anything else that undermines the values on which the rule of law is founded undermines our democracy itself,” he said, pointing out that “those of us who serve the institutions, and for as long as we serve them, have the first obligation to respect the Laws without exceptions, without asterisks, without footnotes.”
At the same time, he expressed his strong belief that “the quality of Justice remains a constant challenge, and especially anything that has to do with the speed and time of its delivery.” Therefore, as he said, “our effort for reforms is continuous with the primary goal of further strengthening the efficiency of our judicial system.”
“And, in this great effort that is also a justified demand of our society, the presence of people with experience, knowledge and proven ethics in the highest judicial offices is of decisive importance,” he emphasised.
“The strength of our Republic is largely reflected in the strength of its institutions. And Justice is the core of this strength,” he noted.
In his greeting, Alexandros Panagiotou thanked the President of the Republic for the trust placed in him, noting that he accepts his appointment to the Supreme Court, fully aware of the demands and challenges that accompany this position.
He also expressed his firm belief that “a judge, especially a judge of the Supreme Court who is at the top of the judiciary, must be a role model not only in the exercise of his duties, but also in every aspect of his personal and social life. He must meet the highest standards of courtesy and respect, which have always characterised the Cypriot judiciary over time,” he pointed out.
“In the difficult times we are living in today, where a dangerous environment of questioning international law is taking shape at a global level, as well as a continuous crisis of institutions and the rule of law at home, it is important to emphasise that the courts constitute the last bastion of protection of democratic institutions and the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of citizens who resort to justice to protect their rights,” Panagiotou indicated.
“In times of crisis where the cohesion of society is affected and institutions are questioned, the courts will be called upon to protect the application of the law and restore public trust in institutions,” he noted.
At the same time, Alexandros Panagiotou said that “the Cypriot judge must be, for an additional reason, particularly sensitive to the protection of the human rights of citizens, since he operates and administers justice in a semi-occupied country where the Cypriot people suffer daily violations of their human rights.”
“Regarding the delays observed in the administration of justice, which rightly result in the discrediting and disappointment of citizens, the judges, despite any weaknesses in the system and the operational problems faced by the judiciary, are trying under adverse circumstances to perform their duty and to cope with the effort to reduce delays,” he pointed out.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, on 11 May.
(Source: CNA)
