Minister Gal Presents New Rules for Electing Constitutional Court Judges

Minister Gal Presents New Rules for Electing Constitutional Court Judges
Bratislava, May 28 (TASR) – Justice Minister Gabor Gal (Most-Hid) on Monday submitted for comments new rules for electing Constitutional Court judges, agreed by the coalition, stating that candidates should be elected in Parliament with a simple majority of at least 76 votes and must be at least 45, instead of 40 as is the case at the moment.

Another requirement is that the judges must be generally recognised people in the field of law or, alternatively, must have expert legal qualifications, regularly publish or give lectures and speak a world language. In order to change the Constitution, the minister will need votes from the Opposition, so he intends to hold talks with Opposition parties.
Gal noted that next year nine out of the thirteen Constitutional Court judges will be elected for a period of twelve years. “Therefore, it’s desirable to elect people to these posts who enjoy respect and trust in society. It’s also important that in addition to an expert background they also have the necessary moral and value integrity,” he said at a press conference.
The minister admitted that agreement in the coalition wasn’t reached easily and quickly. According to him, this proposal could still be changed. He wants to submit it to a Government session in July or August and to Parliament in September. He plans for the law to come into force on November 1 or 15.
Concerning calls for an increase in the quorum needed for electing candidates in Parliament to 90 votes, which has been recommended by the Venice Commission and demanded by the Opposition, Gal said that given the current composition of Parliament, it’s unrealistic to be able to obtain such a majority. According to him, it will also be difficult to find the proposed 76 votes.