The judicial independence in North Macedonia remains a significant concern, characterized by persistent political pressure and a pattern where high-profile corruption cases conclude with mere legal sentences, thereby suggesting a degree of impunity. This situation prompted the European Commission to issue a new Exhortation for the possession of the law for North Macedonia yesterday. According to the Commission, this recent document highlights an increasing trend of elected officials and state representatives engaging in personal criticism directed at judges and prosecutors, frequently alleging corruption.
The Commission noted that decisions made at the highest levels of authority, ostensibly aimed at “cleaning up” the judiciary and prosecutorial institutions, are viewed with caution. Specifically, the Commission warned that such actions taken by authorities risk compromising the judiciary’s independence and undermining the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. Furthermore, the Commission clarified that the decision to issue the Exhortation was made within the context of an ongoing and broader investigation into alleged corruption within the Macedonian government.
The report emphasizes that the institutional integrity of the rule of law is at stake. The findings suggest that while efforts to reform the legal system are underway, the manner in which these reforms are being implemented—marked by political scrutiny—poses a threat to the foundational pillars of the Macedonian state structure.
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