Zadić calls for reforms: So politics endangers judicial independence!

Zadić calls for reforms: So politics endangers judicial independence!

Deutschland - Alma Zadić, the Greens judicial and constitutional spokeswoman, criticized the political nominations for the Presidium of the Administrative Court (VwGH) on June 4, 2025. She complained that the current selection process does not meet European standards and that party affiliation is faced with the professional suitability. In their opinion, the shortcomings mean that highly qualified candidate: being treated unfairly on the inside and there is enormous discomfort in the judge due to the government's non -transparency. Zadić appealed to the need to reform the selection process.

In her proposal, Zadić emphasizes the introduction of a transparent selection process that includes an assessment by a judge: Interior Senate. This Senate would evaluate the technical suitability and experience in the case law of the candidate: inside before a proposal is submitted to politics. This initiative aims to strengthen trust in the judiciary and to promote independence of the constitutional service.

political influence on the judiciary

Zadić's criticism confirms the concerns that exist in the judiciary and the general public. In this way, the influence of politics on the occupation of judicial issues is assessed as too high. Harald Wagner, Vice President of the Judge Association, supports the proposal that the occupation proposals for all administrative courts should be drawn up by judicial committees, not only for the leading positions in the VwGH. This could help create an alignment on the regulations of civil and criminal courts.

Irmgard Griss, the former President of the Supreme Court (OGH), expressed that party political considerations in the judiciary should not play a role. These views illustrate the existing gaps in independence and transparency when ordering top personnel in administrative jurisdiction, as well as the concerns about the current practices.

on the role of the separation of powers

In the discussion about the independence of the judiciary, it is also important to take a look beyond the borders. In Germany, for example, the separation of powers is a central principle of democracy. According to the Basic Law, the three powers - legislative, executive and judiciary - are clearly separated from each other in order to prevent political decision -makers from influencing the judiciary. Judges on life enjoy independence and can only be discontinued under strict conditions.

Such a legal framework serves as a yardstick to recognize how important the independence of the judiciary is for maintaining the rule of law. Political influence on courts is considered inadmissible and can have serious consequences for the credibility of the legal system. In Austria it is therefore of great importance to promote the necessary reforms in order to protect the integrity of the judiciary and include the public in decisions.

In order to make the reform needs clear, Zadić emphasizes the need that expert: inside in the constitutional service can work without political pressure. This requirement is crucial to strengthen the independence and quality of the judiciary in Austria.

summarized it can be said that both the defects mentioned in the current occupation procedure and the general influence of politics on the judiciary urgently need a review and reform. This is the only way to restore the trust of the citizens in the case law.

For more information, read the complete reports on OTS , The press and Anwalt.de .