Moldovan MPs made amendments to Constitution

Chisinau, 23 September /MOLDPRES/- With 86 votes of MPs, the draft amendment to the Constitution was adopted in the second reading today.

The amendments refer to the initial term of appointment of judges and the selection of judges of the Supreme Court of Justice and, at the same time, concretize the role of the Superior Council of Magistracy in the process of self-administration of the judiciary, its composition and powers.

One of the proposals refers to the exclusion of the initial term of 5 years of appointment of judges, provided in art. 116 of the Constitution. Thus, the judges of the courts would be appointed until the age limit is reached, by the President of the Republic of Moldova, at the proposal of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM). The head of state may reject the candidacy proposed by the CSM only once.

It also aims to standardize the procedures for appointing judges in all courts in the country, including the Supreme Court of Justice. The draft also provides for the exclusion of the Prosecutor General and the Minister of Justice from the CSM. It will consist of 12 members: 6 from among judges and 6 from non-judges, elected by Parliament.

Another proposed change concerns the term of office of CSM members, which will be 6 years.