A new institutional procedure for providing police protection to political figures and state officials will come into effect in September 2026.
Under the new procedure, the Police will determine the necessary protection measures on the basis of an objective risk assessment.
According to the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the procedure was developed following an opinion by the Law Office, requested to clarify the existing legal framework and the responsibilities concerning protection details for officials.
According to the Ministry, from the 1970s until today, a practice had been established whereby the provision of police protection to political figures and state officials also required the approval of the Council of Ministers, although no such procedure was provided for by a specific legislative provision.
Based on the Law Office’s opinion, assessing the level of risk and the actual protection needs falls within the institutional and operational remit of the Police.
The competent Ministry says that, through an established procedure and objective criteria, the Police will assess the risk, determine the necessary protection measures and forward the results and the relevant decisions of the Committee to the Minister of Justice and Public Order, without requiring the involvement of the Council of Ministers.
“On the basis of the above, all existing protection details are being reassessed and the protection measures will be adjusted to the estimated level of risk. Where the need for protection is not substantiated, it will be terminated or modified accordingly,” the Ministry notes.
The Ministry of Justice notes that police protection is a security measure provided where an objective risk assessment substantiates its necessity. The reassessment will take place every six months or on an ad hoc basis, where required.
The new procedure will come into effect in September 2026.
Source: CNA