"In two to three years from now the situation in the area of Justice in Greece will have nothing to do with what we still have today, but also at the level of speed and quality and at the level of civil service," said Justice Minister George Florides at his welcome to the event held at the ministry, on the subject: "The reform of the Greek judicial map as a model of international good practice and the assistance of the World Bank".
The event was still welcomed by the Minister of State Akesh Skerchos, the Deputy Minister for Justice John Bougas and executives of the World Bank.
In his greeting Mr. Florides stressed: "The ministry has worked highly with the World Bank, which has an important know-how from the major changes in the justice systems of many countries. This knowledge was transferred through a cooperation plan and after a systematic effort we made to all the justice players, judges, lawyers, judicial officials and at the same time to all local communities.
Specifically through an extensive month-long consultation we came up with a common national plan, where all the country's contributors had a reason for the great change in the area of Justice, named a judicial map.
The results in about a year and a half later are extremely important, such as we did not expect them either. If there is a political conclusion from this case is that when a good design, which employs national characteristics and incorporates in a successful way international experience, as was done here with the World Bank, then these changes succeed.
Today, given that the foundations of the reform have been laid, we must give weight from here to the continuous monitoring and improvement of its results, to care for the balance between the two degrees of judicial jurisdiction and to the use of all the technological means available to the Justice sector to complete our work.".
The Minister of State Akis Skertsos at his location he noted: "George Florides had reported features to the cabinet for unsalted time in Greek Justice, as for decades nothing moved to Justice, because there was no plan to make changes.
This changed with the court map plan. This reform, which is very important, may be one of the most important ones that this government has implemented, I think it is stepping on very strong bases, on very good foundations. The success of this reform lies precisely in this methodology that we studied data, we now have indicators, we can now prove why the previous system was not working and why the new system of consolidation of the first degree of jurisdiction brings faster and qualitative Justice. On this important point, the contribution and cooperation of the World Bank played a valuable and decisive role.
We have also achieved this very important reform, because we have earned the comparative advantage as a country, that of political stability. Greece from a black sheep not only in the field of Justice, but in many areas of public life, public policies are highlighted as a good example internationally and we now have valid organizations to certify it.".
Under-Minister of Justice John Bugas said: "If a conclusion can be drawn from this experience worth contributing to an international audience as best practice, it is not a ready standard for "replication", or adaptation to another legal order. Justice systems have special characteristics and differ greatly to be so. It's probably a method: Diagnosing honestly and accurately, with data and not with stereotypes predefined. Keep the separate national identity of the design, while using the relevant experiences and international know-how to determine the feasibility, correct any failures and make the legislative initiative applicable.
In my view, there are three major political interventions by the Government which shape the economic and social context of the coming years: The early repayment of loans by the Greek State. The restoration of Collective Labour Conventions and changes in Justice. These are the fundamental cuts for dynamic and sustainable development, as they guarantee stability and prosperity, social cohesion and employment peace, legal certainty with rapid resolution of disputes and uncertainties. Elements necessary of a modern rule of law".
On behalf of the World Bank Anna Akhalkatsi, Director of the European Union Department, welcomed: "We are already exploiting what has happened in Greece. So your experience has become a source of practical knowledge for other countries that want to modernise the Justice sector. He became an example of what a documented commitment can achieve.
This is worth sharing with others and today's event just makes sure that these lessons are shared more widely. We will also continue the Greek experience to offer it to other countries around the world through a joint learning event for World Bank staff working around the world.".
Annely Madeleen Koudstaal, Program Manager for Southern Europe reported: "The change of the Greek Judicial Charter touches deeply rooted professional identities, legal traditions and even territorial sensibilities. When we started, the question was whether this was possible. But now we know with the data we have available that it was actually possible.
The numbers for the Athens Court of First Instance, which has cleared not only incoming cases but has also reduced pending cases, exceed the expectations we had when we started four years ago. All of this is not only about the judicial system, but also about the economy, because when a business dispute that lasted four years now is resolved in 1.5 just a year this also improves investment decisions. In other words, it affects whether one can invest in Greece or ask for credit in Greece. It also allows the private sector to flourish and is a condition that creates growth and jobs.
We have already learned from Greece to share them with other countries in the region because Greece is a pioneer on this route. We hope to continue this knowledge-sharing partnership with Greece and continue to share the lessons learned from Greece around the world.".