Judges' Disagreement over the Selection of Vice-Presidents of the Areios Pagos

The Association of Judges and Prosecutors has expressed disagreement regarding the recent method of selecting the new vice-presidents of the Areios Pagos (Supreme Court). Law 5123/24 introduced, for the first time, the participation of the Plenary Sessions of the supreme courts in expressing opinions on the most suitable candidates.

According to Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, despite the secret ballot, the executive branch did not select some of the top candidates for the positions of Vice-Presidents, leading to the de facto annulment of the law. The Association of Judges and Prosecutors, while respecting the Constitution, believes that disregarding the outcome of the vote undermines the role of the Judiciary.

Dimitrakopoulos points out that the state's choices have caused division within the Areios Pagos and proposes the reinstatement of the old system, with a substantive hearing of the candidates by the Conference of Presidents.