International Ministers Gathering: Nations Anticipate Alleviation - Multinational Justice Ministers Gathering Expecting Solace: Nations Anticipate Alleviation
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The federal states are seeking support from the federal government to maintain the functionality of justice, according to Saxony's Justice Minister, Constanze Kretschmer (CDU). "The situation is critical: By 2030, up to 50 percent of judges and public prosecutors in Saxony could retire. As a border state, we're heavily impacted by human trafficking, which isn't just our concern," Kretschmer stated to German Press Agency.
The new Federal Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig (SPD), intends to forge a new "Pact for the Rule of Law" with the states. "The states require structural assistance, particularly in digitization and personnel. We aim to find means to provide them with this support," she noted in the Bundestag. Kretschmer urges expediency in addressing this pact. She will discuss the matter with Hubig and other federal state ministers at the Justice Ministers' Conference in Bad Schandau next week.
Discussions at the conference will center around justice digitization, accelerating asylum court proceedings, Code of Criminal Procedure reforms, and efficient investigative powers for law enforcement agencies. Other topics include the renewal of the "Pact for the Rule of Law," improved child and domestic violence protection, amendments to criminal law, and the addition of femicides to the Criminal Code.
Kretschmer underscores the need to streamline justice system reforms and boost its efficiency, especially in the realm of the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO), to alleviate the burden on courts and prosecutors. The conference's discussions will also touch on offering greater protection for lay judges, based on a Saxon initiative.
Kretschmer considers the conference opportune since it coincides with the launch of the new federal government, stating, "This is a perfect time for state justice ministers to meet with the new federal justice minister to discuss emerging legal policies and justice. Everyone's eager to commence shaping the future. I have high hopes for the new federal government and anticipate that justice will also reap benefits from the rule of law's strengthening and digitization momentum."
According to Kretschmer, it's vital to ease the pressure on the state justice systems. Cooperative and constructive relations between the federal government and the states are crucial. "I hope the Justice Ministers' Conference will pave the way for positive collaboration between the states and the federal government," she concludes.
- The federal ministers are advocating for policy-and-legislation changes that focus on supporting vocational training for judges and prosecutors in EC countries, given the impending retirement wave by 2030, especially in border states like Saxony heavily affected by human trafficking.
- The upcoming Justice Ministers' Conference will delve into several topics, including the need for digitization and structural assistance in personnel, as well as the renewal of the "Pact for the Rule of Law," particularly in regards to facilitating efficient justice systems and improving protection for lay judges in a political landscape that values general-news and the rule of law.
