Mr Rimantas Mockus, new Minister of Justice: the most important challenge – to prepare properly for the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU and to strengthen legal protection
Mr Rimantas Mockus, the new Minister of Justice who has stepped into office, notes that the timely preparation for the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the strengthening of the legal protection system will be among the most important priorities of activities.
“One of the most important objectives in the international context is precise and timely preparation for the EU Presidency and ensuring the proper implementation of EU legislation in national law. At the national level, the focus will be on the strengthening of constitutional legal protection, the independence of the Lithuanian judiciary, the system of assistants to judges, and the legal protection of attorneys at law. We will pay much attention to ensuring lasting changes in the probation and prison services of Lithuania and on the development of a progressive penitentiary system: we will aim for an efficient probation system based on professionalism and empathy, as well as the digitalisation of the processes of the penal enforcement system,” said Mr Mockus.
According to the Minister, much emphasis will be placed on human rights issues, legal safeguards for journalists, social activists and civil society organisations against the so-called SLAPP suits. Efforts will be made to return the state registers to the remit of the Ministry of Justice. Attention will also be paid to increasing the accessibility of secondary legal aid, improving the procedural efficiency of prosecutors, “freeing” bailiffs from excessive bureaucratic procedures, and improving the procedural activities of notaries. The intention is to involve the legal community and academics in legislative processes more actively.
Mr Rimantas Mockus has been practising as attorney at law since 2021, has worked in the Law Department of the Vilnius City Municipality.
Mr Mockus holds a Master's degree from the Faculty of Law of Vilnius University.
Last updated: 27-12-2024