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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Constitutional changes crucial for strengthening rule of law

Belgrade, 7 June 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today, explaining the Bill on changes to the Constitution of Serbia at the fourth special session of the Serbian parliament, that it is a very important topic and one of the three key priorities of the Government.

Brnabic pointed out that the most difficult and demanding economic reforms were implemented in 2014 and 2015, and that they are yielding results even today.

She pointed out that the reforms are not carried out only for the sake of European integration, but primarily in order to improve the quality of life of Serbian citizens, which is why it is important to strengthen the rule of law, noting that one of the most important links to that end is changes to the Constitution in the field of judiciary.

The Prime Minister recalled that the public debate on the Bill on changes to the Constitution lasted 18 months and voiced hope that the parliament, which insisted on finding a minimum common denominator in order to reach the greatest possible social consensus, will reach such an agreement and will thus enter the referendum.

According to her, today Serbia has shown what a different country it is compared to 10 years ago, and what high standards it set to itself in the field of changing the Constitution.

Until now, there have never been public debates, someone worked on changes to the Constitution in a closed circle, citizens went to referendum without practical knowledge of what is changing and the referendum was more than questionable, the Prime Minister pointed out.

But now, anyone who comes to power cannot go below that standard, so there must be a broad public debate, the consent of the Venice Commission, and others to confirm that everything is done according to the world and European norms and that citizens know what they are deciding about.

Brnabic expressed gratitude to the MPs for adopting numerous laws that affect the situation in the area of the rule of law.

She stated in detail what has been done in the areas of the fight against corruption and the safety of journalists, noting that the Working Group for the Safety and Protection of Journalists has been formed, with which she meets once a month.

Speaking about human rights, the Prime Minister recalled that the Strategy for Prevention and Fight against Violence against Women and the Law on Gender Equality have been adopted and added that the competent ministry continues its ambitious agenda.

The session is also attended by Minister of Justice Maja Popovic, Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic, Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue Gordana Comic, as well as representatives of the judiciary.