Minister Gorčević Urges Parliament to Fill Constitutional Court Vacancies

The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, has expressed her expectation that parliament will appoint judges to fill vacant positions in the Constitutional Court during a session scheduled for next Tuesday, October 10, 2025. Gorčević emphasized the urgency of the matter, asserting that Montenegro cannot afford delays, particularly as it aims to close all negotiation chapters with the European Union by the end of next year.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gorčević urged parliament members to approach the appointments with due diligence, taking into account the qualifications of the proposed candidates. She pointed out that the timeline is critical, as the country has until the end of 2026 to finalize negotiations on key chapters related to the rule of law and judicial functionality.

Encouragement for Opposition Cooperation

Gorčević specifically called on opposition lawmakers to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their pro-European orientation through a “real contribution” to the process. She acknowledged the challenges faced in judicial appointments but noted progress with the identification of two candidates for the Constitutional Court.

Despite recognizing the complex nature of political consultations required for such appointments, Gorčević stressed that a mature and democratic society should not normalize incomplete institutions or engage in tactical delays. She concluded her remarks by reiterating the importance of collaboration among all parliamentary members to achieve meaningful progress in this area.

As Montenegro navigates its path toward closer ties with the European Union, the appointment of judges to the Constitutional Court remains a significant step in strengthening the country’s judicial system and reinforcing its commitment to democratic values.