Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula has stressed the importance of the Constitutional Court’s independence and the need to respect its decisions, emphasizing that the Constitution must stand above political power and that no institution is above the law.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s Constitutional Court, Shiroka-Pula described the court’s independence as a fundamental guarantee of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
“The Constitution establishes these boundaries. It guarantees that no one is above the law, that power is not unlimited, and that citizens’ rights and freedoms do not depend on the will of those exercising public authority,” she said.
She emphasized that the Constitutional Court’s independence is not merely a legal principle, but a fundamental safeguard ensuring that constitutional protections are upheld in practice, under all circumstances and without exception.
Shiroka-Pula also highlighted the court’s role in ensuring that the Constitution remains the highest legal authority, binding on all state institutions.
She said the court’s mission becomes even more important during political crises, when pressure on institutions increases and respect for constitutional principles is put to the test.
“For Kosovo, as a young state, the Constitutional Court has particular importance. The court’s decisions must be respected and not personalized, regardless of their political consequences,” Shiroka-Pula stated.
She also pointed to the experience of Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, other European courts, and the expertise of the Venice Commission as valuable opportunities to discuss shared challenges, strengthen legal dialogue, and reinforce standards for protecting the constitutional order.
“Our experiences may differ, but the principles that unite us are the same. The strength of a democracy is not measured by the absence of limits on power, but by the willingness to respect them,” she said.
“When the Constitution stands above power, citizens’ rights are safer. When institutions are subject to the Constitution, democracy is stronger,” Shiroka-Pula concluded.
