Nicosia:President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the government's focus on completing justice system reforms, stressing their significance for citizens, the economy, social cohesion, and the overall functioning of the state. These remarks were made during the Opening Ceremony of the New Judicial Year at the Supreme Constitutional Court.

According to Cyprus News Agency, recent years have seen substantial changes in Cyprus's judicial landscape, marked by the July 2023 reform establishing the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal. This reform represents a significant milestone in justice administration, complemented by restructuring administrative justice and forming an Administrative Court of Appeal under the Supreme Constitutional Court.

The President emphasized the role of technology as a vital tool for the judiciary. The digitization of judicial proceedings, the use of new technologies, and the development of i-Justice are seen as opportunities for improved case management, transparency, and citizen access to justice.

Further objectives include enhancing infrastructure, court facilities, and staffing, contributing to maintaining high standards in justice administration. The President reiterated that while justice system reform is not an end in itself, a modern and effective system is crucial for various societal facets.

Antonis Liatsos, President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, noted that the court's establishment was necessary to uphold the rule of law. The court interprets the Constitution, serving the constitutional order and reminding the state of power limits and democratic rules.

Liatsos highlighted the court's effective functioning since its re-establishment three years ago, delivering judgments across various areas without significant operational issues. This performance underscores the reasons behind its establishment.

Fotini Tsiridou, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, emphasized the critical juncture of judicial reform, linking the quality of justice to legislation quality. She expressed the House of Representatives' readiness to support judicial system modernization within its constitutional powers.

Michalis Pikramenos, President of the Council of State of Greece, addressed changes in the state and justice due to global influences, while Tefkros Oikonomou, a Judge of the Supreme Constitutional Court, discussed freedom of expression and citizens' rights to critique judicial decisions, highlighting the balance required to protect justice administration.