President: Mozner Rising to Helm of Supreme Court at Time of Major Challenges(2)

Bratislava, 21 May (TASR) - New head of the Supreme Court Frantisek Mozner is assuming office at a time when the Slovak judiciary is facing many major challenges - above all, the need to further increase its efficiency but also its credibility, stated President Peter Pellegrini in his speech during Mozner's appointment to the post on Wednesday. The president is convinced that the new Supreme Court chair has a clear and comprehensible vision of where the Slovak judiciary should be heading under his leadership. "Your performance and the quality of your work will have an impact on the functioning of lower-level courts as well as administrative courts, albeit not in the sense of a hierarchical relationship as is common in other institutions, but rather as a role model, a source of inspiration and motivation for other judges," said Pellegrini. He emphasised that at a time when public trust in institutions is weakened, it is the courts and court rulings that should represent reassurance on which citizens can rely. According to the president, increasing credibility is especially crucial today, when society is suffering from a high degree of polarisation and persistent distrust in authorities, institutions and the legal system. The head of state pointed out that an independent judiciary represents one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic state. "The Supreme Court is our most important general court. As its chairman, you will represent the authority of the judiciary outwardly, to other institutions and to the public," he noted. Pellegrini underlined that in order for the courts to be functional and credible, it's not only the professional competence of judges that is important, but also their moral qualities, their dedication to justice and resistance to any pressures exerted on the courts. "Including media pressure or the pressure of expectations from parties involved in a dispute or the public itself," he added. The president highlighted that courts have started to work faster and more efficiently. "Therefore, I will support any effort aimed at better financial or personnel provision for Slovak courts. I also remain open to a dialogue about the current problems of our judiciary," he stated. Pellegrini added that the Judicial Council elected Mozner by a convincing majority and that he is therefore assuming the new post with a strong mandate. "Your long-standing work and your stances confirm that you have the qualifications and qualities to fulfil this demanding mission successfully," he said. The ceremonial event at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday was also attended by the chair of the Constitutional Court Ivan Fiacan. mf/df