Urkullu calls for decentralizing and adapting the judicial power to a "composite State"

BILBAO, 25 (EUROPA PRESS)

The Lehendakari, Iñigo Urkullu, has warned that "the Judicial Branch should not be alien to the decentralized territorial conformation of the State" and, in this sense, he has defended "seeking a flexible adaptation of the Judicial Branch, and its government, in accordance with a Composite state". Furthermore, he has regretted that the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) continues without being renewed, and has warned that "those who are harmed are the citizens, in addition to the institution of Justice itself and its social image."

During his speech at the opening of the 2023-2024 judicial year held this Monday at the headquarters of the Superior Court of Justice of the Basque Country in Bilbao, Urkullu stated, in reference to his reflection on the Judicial Power and the decentralized territorial makeup of the State, that it is "striking" that "this raises controversy."

"More so if you consider that the Judiciary is, by definition, an atomized and non-unitary power, since it is embodied by each and every one of the judges and magistrates," he noted.

For the Lehendakari, "this circumstance should not be forgotten when seeking a flexible adaptation of the Judiciary, and its government, in accordance with a composite State."

In his speech, Iñigo Urkullu expressed his hope that this new judicial year contributes to continuing to strengthen a "close and quality" Administration of Justice, something that he sees as "key to the well-being and coexistence of all people."

He has also alluded to the lack of renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), recalling that, in his speech during the opening of the judicial year last year, he called for this renewal to be facilitated "giving priority to the common good over interests." partisan, corporate or associative".

However, he regretted that "today we are still in the same situation and it is the citizens who are harmed, in addition to the institution of Justice itself and its social image."

The Lehendakari has pointed out that, in the field of the Administration of Justice, "it is perfectly possible to apply dialogue and collaborative governance between judicial bodies, institutions and citizens."

Urkullu, who recalled that last year "was not easy" for Justice due to the impact that labor conflicts had on its activity, has claimed the need for "understanding, stability and harmony, because the wait to obtain Justice affects legal certainty and confidence in the public service".

Likewise, he assessed that, in this term, collaboration between the Basque Government, the governing bodies of the Superior Court, the Attorney General's Office and the Secretariat of the Superior Court has been consolidated, and is having "good results."

He specified that, in this task, professional associations, justice personnel, cooperation services, Institutes of the Court of Medicine and other social agents have also participated.