Greek Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis on Saturday referred to yet another reform in the all-important sector, speaking in OT.gr’s specially built studio at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
The 88th TIF commenced on Saturday, marking Greece’s biggest annual trade and business exhibition and the unofficial venue for a showcasing of the policies to be followed the coming year by the government in power.
Floridis, a veteran minister, said the aim is to further cut court delays by one-third, with the next goal being the unveiling of an out-of-court arbitration process expected by the end of the year or early 2025.
“Obviously, this aims to attract investments, because the issue of a speedy justice system in Greece has been cited by all international ratings agencies… This year we made a systematic effort, and this was recognized by the OECD,” he said, adding:
“The horizon of implementation is to have everything ready in tw years and to speed up the delivery of justice, in order to protect society from widespread illegality and to assist economic activity”.
Additionally, Floridis referred to Greece’s highest administrative court, the Council of State (CoS), saying the latter’s leadership intends to modify the way it adjudicates – the first such reform in 95 years, as he said.
In detailing some of the changes involving the high court, the minister said cases will now be assigned to a judge based on an algorithm, whereas deadlines for filing necessary documents will be shortened – to two months – and apply to both plaintiffs and defendants.
“Every litigant must comply with time limits, and in case they do not comply, then they admit to the other’s right, whereby the case is closed,” he stressed.