The terms of five out of six judges at the Constitutional Court expire this summer, and according to the legislation in force, the procedure for appointing a new judge starts three months before the end of the term. So far, a competition has been announced to select the judge who will replace Serghei Turcan, appointed by the CSM, whose term expires on July 30. Four other terms expire in August, IPN reports.
The Constitutional Court has six judges, appointed for a six-year term. Two judges are appointed by Parliament, two by the Government and two by the Superior Council of Magistrates.
Liuba Sova and Nicolae Rosca, whose terms expire in August, were appointed constitutional judges on August 15, 2019, by the government. The latter was also president of the Constitutional Court from April 25 to November 10, 2023.
Two other judges due to be replaced this summer are Domnica Manole and Vladimir Turcan, both appointed by Parliament.
In the case of Domnica Manole, the appointment took place on August 16, 2019. In April 2020, she was elected President of the Constitutional Court for a three-year term. When her term as President expired, the position was taken over by Nicolae Rosca, who resigned on November 9, 2023, citing personal reasons. As a result, Domnica Manole becomes President again, as of November 10, 2023, a position she holds until today.
Vladimir Turcan was appointed constitutional judge, also by Parliament, on August 19, 2019. He also served as president of the Constitutional Court until April 2020. Turcan was removed from his post following the vote of no-confidence by the CC judges.
Viorica Puica, appointed constitutional judge by the Superior Council of Magistracy following the death of Eduard Ababei in 2023, will serve until November 24, 2029.
Three months before the expiry of the term of office of each judge, the President of the Constitutional Court shall inform in writing the authority which appointed the judge whose term of office is due to expire of the initiation of the procedure for the appointment of a new judge. Until the judge’s term of office expires, the competent authority must appoint a new judge. The law also states that a judge of the Constitutional Court may hold office for two terms.
