The Evaluation Commission for assessing the integrity of candidates for the position of member in the self-administration bodies of judges and prosecutors (Pre-Vetting Commission) announces the commencement of the resumed evaluation for 21 candidates to the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) and Superior Council of Prosecutors (SCP), following the decisions of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) issued on 1st of August, 2023. The Pre-Vetting Commission has formally notified today the 21 candidates regarding the resumption of the evaluation procedure, based on Article 14 paragraph (10) of Law No. 26/2022 and the SCJ conclusions.
Pursuant to the decisions of the Supreme Court of Justice and based on a thorough examination, the Evaluation Commission has introduced a number of amendments to its Rules of Procedure, specifically adjusted to meet the requirements of the new process. Thus, to address issues raised by the SCJ, as part of the resumed evaluation process, the Commission may collect additional information and send further questions and requests for documents to candidates. Candidates may also present additional evidence under certain circumstances. If issues concerning a candidate are not thereby resolved, the candidate will receive a statement of facts and serious doubts that remain pending. Candidates can respond in writing to the Commission’s statement, whereas hearings will not be mandatory. Candidates will also be provided access to the materials collected during the resumed evaluation, in the same manner as in the evaluation procedure.
Throughout the resumed evaluation, the Pre-Vetting Commission will continue to adhere to the requirements of Law No. 26/2022, applicable to the selection of candidates for positions in the self-administration bodies of judges and prosecutors, as well as the amended Rules of Procedure.
It is expected that the resumed evaluation of all 21 candidates might take several months to conclude, due to the need to ensure a complete analysis of all relevant facts and a fair and transparent procedure for all candidates.
