The government has been in continuous talks with judicial magistrates, with the aim of finding solutions to the problems affecting the class, especially in the areas of housing and security. The information was confirmed by the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Helena Kida, during her speech at the National Religious Conference, held in Maputo.
According to the newspaper Noticias, she explained that the government is engaged in a permanent dialogue with the magistrates, through a platform created in August, following the threat of a strike over demands for better working conditions, security and financial independence. As part of these negotiations, a timetable has been established to address the concerns raised by the class.
With regard to housing, the minister mentioned that there is still no immediate solution, since it is being debated whether the government should invest in buying or building houses for magistrates. ‘This is one of the issues that requires more in-depth analysis, and it’s not something that can be resolved in the short term,’ said Kida.
Regarding the security of magistrates, the minister said that the government is evaluating two approaches. The first would be to provide personal security for each judge, an option considered unsustainable due to the costs involved. The second involves allowing magistrates to be armed, a measure that is still being studied due to the logistical and legal issues it raises. ‘We are discussing where the weapons could come from and how the delivery process would be carried out,’ Kida added.
The debate on security also covers the need to adjust protection measures based on the type of cases the judges are judging or according to their location.
In addition, the minister recalled that, following the suspension of the magistrates’ strike, the drafting of a bill on the financial independence of the courts has begun, which should be submitted to Parliament in the next legislature. This step is considered essential to guarantee the autonomy of the courts in the fulfilment of their duties.
Negotiations between the government and the magistrates resulted in the suspension of the strike, but the class warned that disagreements over the Single Salary Table (TSU) could lead to a new strike if their demands are not resolved.
The Executive reiterated its commitment to continuing discussions with the judiciary in order to find sustainable solutions to the problems affecting magistrates and, by extension, the proper functioning of the country’s justice system.
