Greece plans to introduce a new bill after the holidays to encourage the voluntary retirement of 100 judges due to health issues and will continue its dismissal of judges for poor performance, as part of the country’s efforts to clean-up its judicial system, To Vima reports.
This initiative aligns with the governing New Democracy party’s commitment to reform the country’s judicial system, which has often been criticized for delayed justice.
According to To Vima, the bill represents a “qualitative cleansing” of the Ministry of Justice and the higher court system, aiming to remove judges facing health challenges or those responsible for significant delays in delivering rulings.
Ongoing Dismissals
Dismissals of judges in civil and criminal courts began three years ago under Maria Georgiou, the former President of Greece’s Supreme Court. This initiative has led to the removal of 35 judicial officials for prolonged delays, with some cases taking four to five years or more.
The policy continues under the current Supreme Court President, Ioanna Klapa. According to To Vima, another ten judicial officials will be referred to the Plenary Session after the holidays, with the possibility of dismissal due to similar delays.
In addition to dismissals, disciplinary measures have been imposed on judges whose actions harm citizens and undermine the judiciary’s credibility.
New Voluntary Retirement Plan
The Ministry of Justice has prepared a bill to introduce a voluntary retirement plan for judges and prosecutors for the first time in years. Backed by the Ministry of Finance, this plan targets judges with verified physical or mental health issues that hinder their performance, including delays in issuing rulings.
Supported by the Judges and Prosecutors Association, the plan will cover approximately 100 judges, primarily serving in appellate courts. Eligibility will require health certification from the Supreme Military Medical Council. Final approval for retirement will be granted by the Supreme Judicial Council, as stipulated by constitutional provisions. Judges must also have at least 12 years of service to qualify.
The voluntary retirement process is expected to conclude by the end of the current judicial year in June 2025. Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis told To Vima, “The goal is to provide an exit for those unable to fulfill their duties and to accelerate the delivery of justice for citizens and the country’s development.”
Dismissals in Administrative Courts
Dismissals for professional inadequacy have also extended to administrative courts. To Vima reports that four judges have been dismissed so far, with decisions finalized for two and pending for the other two. Supreme Administrative Court (Council of State) President Michalis Pikramenos has emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines for rulings and monitoring judicial performance.
Pikramenos has sent personal letters to administrative court judges, urging them to set clear goals for resolving pending cases and promising evaluations of their progress. He has also committed to implementing measures within the Council of State to expedite rulings and enhance judicial efficiency.
Structural Changes in Greece’s Judiciary
These reforms reflect a broader shift in Greece’s judicial system, which has long lacked effective evaluation mechanisms. Traditionally, career progression depended on seniority rather than merit, undermining the system’s overall functionality.
With these reforms, Greece aims to address systemic inefficiencies and restore public trust in the judicial process.
