In his speech, Sergei Ivanov assessed the court reform carried out in Russia in 2014 and talked about the process of forming the composition of the Supreme Court. According to Mr Ivanov, in the course of the reform, the Russian judicial system proved its stability and efficiency, while the unification of general jurisdiction courts and arbitration courts into a single Supreme Court will allow the judicial system to become more powerful, transparent and professional, strengthening public trust in the system.
Sergei Ivanov stressed that in 2015, the composition of the Supreme Court will be finalised, stating that out of 170 judges, 96 have already been appointed, and more than half of all candidates were rejected due to conflict of interest and incorrect information provided on income and assets. Mr Ivanov emphasised the need to thoroughly select candidates for judicial positions. The Chief of Staff also announced that this year, the federal courts in Crimea will be fully staffed.