"Threats to the independence of constitutional courts are neither hypothetical nor isolated"

Constitutional justice can only fulfill its role when the autonomy and independence of constitutional courts are fully guaranteed.

The Constitutional Court of Montenegro announced that this was one of the conclusions of the Sixth Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Judiciary, which ended in Madrid on October 31st.

The statement added that the Congress, which was attended by the President of the Constitutional Court of Montenegro, Snežana Armenko, and Judge Desanka Lopičić, concluded that threats to the independence of constitutional courts are neither hypothetical nor isolated.

"Constitutional courts in some countries face political interference, delays in the implementation of decisions or a targeted campaign aimed at undermining public confidence in them," concluded 88 delegations of constitutional courts from around the world, who further stated: "The participants also stressed mutual solidarity in defending the integrity and independence of constitutional judges, in accordance with their domestic regulations, which must protect them from any interference or pressure, regardless of who comes from. Such actions undermine the rule of law and public trust. Constitutional courts must not become a tool of the political majority, nor must they be isolated from the society they serve."

The Constitutional Court said that the World Conference on Constitutional Judiciary was closed by King Felipe VI of Spain, along with the President of the Venice Commission, Claire Bazzi Mallory, and the President of the Constitutional Court of Spain, Cándido Conde Pumpid Turon.

"Armenko and Lopičić, in addition to meeting with the President of the Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Spain, had a number of other meetings on the sidelines of the conference, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with representatives of individual constitutional courts," the statement reads.

The Constitutional Court said that this year's congress was dedicated to the topic "Human Rights of Future Generations", so constitutional judges from all over the world discussed the protection of cultural heritage, the environment and natural resources - issues that are of particular importance for Montenegrin society.

"The World Conference of Constitutional Judiciary was established at the initiative of the Venice Commission and represents the highest level of organizational structure in the field of constitutional judiciary. It brings together constitutional courts, constitutional councils and supreme courts that perform the function of constitutional control around the world," the Constitutional Court said.