In a statement, the ASJP says it wants a “full discussion” of the status of judges with the Government, and that the association has already addressed the prime minister in that regard.
The ASJP has requested the intervention of the Prime Minister, António Costa, in the discussion of their status, claiming that the negotiation process has long been ongoing and with “some truly regrettable episodes”.
In a last round of negotiations with the Ministry of Justice, held last month, the ASJP said it would consider ways to fight, not excluding a strike, after failing to agree on the requalification of current subsidies and reinstatement of career prospects.
In a letter to António Costa seen by Lusa News Agency, the judges lamented the lack of a “political margin” on the behalf of the Justice Minister, Francisca Van Dunem, “for a complete negotiation of the Statute of Judges”, saying that the process has at times been “truly regrettable, and combined with the existing problems, has led to a situation of deep dislike of the judges and to the detriment of Justice.”
“In all matters involving budgetary impact, however small”, Francisca Van Dunem “was completely hampered in her decision-making capacity”, reads the letter signed by the president of ASJP.
The judges told the prime minister that “the negotiating process between judges and the Ministry of Justice is over. Unfortunately it was not enough.”
Acknowledging that the Justice Minister did everything in her power, the association says it was not enough, even though negotiations in defence of the independence of judges were successful.