Parties of the ruling coalition said the strategy provided a good framework for establishing a modern, efficient and independent judiciary.
Emil Tomljanovic of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) commended the government's measures aimed at reducing the excessive number of courts, solving the backlog of cases, introducing alternative ways of settling disputes, shortening court proceedings, etc.
Vojislav Stanimirovic of the Independent Democratic Serb Party (SDSS) urged caution with the abolishment and merging of courts to avoid courts becoming inaccessible to citizens in sparsely populated areas.
Most opposition parties expressed doubt that the reform would be implemented, stating that the document lacked clear indications as to when and how the proposed measures would be implemented.
Ljubica Lalic of the Peasant Party (HSS) voiced doubt about the government's plan to ensure judicial autonomy. "If we know that the State Judicial Council, which appoints judges, is appointed by the Sabor, then it cannot be an independent body, but a body appointed by the will of the majority," Lalic said.
Miroslav Rozic of the Party of Rights (HSP) said the strategy should be adopted with a national consensus, otherwise it would be disregarded by the next government.
The debate on the draft strategy for the reform of the judiciary will continue tomorrow.