The Forum of Serbian Judges has once again initiated a proposal to amend the law regulating the calculation of judicial salaries. The goal is to establish a systemic, objective, and predictable mechanism that guarantees the material independence of the judiciary, which is the foundation of the rule of law. The Forum emphasizes that the salary of judges should not depend on the will of the executive or legislative branches but must be tied to stable and objective parameters. The proposal suggests that the minimum salary of a judge cannot be less than twice the average salary in Serbia. The Ministry of Justice, as the authorized proposer, is expected to initiate the legislative amendment process.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the importance of judicial independence as a cornerstone of democracy and rule of law. They support the initiative as a necessary step to protect judges from political influence and ensure fair compensation that reflects their role in society.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the initiative factually, highlighting the technical aspects of the proposed changes and the expected impact on the judiciary’s independence and salary structure. They focus on the procedural steps involving the Ministry of Justice and legislative process.
Right: Right-leaning media may express cautious support but often stress fiscal responsibility and the need to balance judicial salaries with the country’s economic capabilities. Some may question whether increasing judges’ salaries is the best use of public funds, emphasizing accountability and efficiency in the judiciary.
