Catalan Judge Míriam de Rosa Sworn In as Andorra's Fifth Tribunal de Corts Magistrate

Míriam de Rosa Palacio, a Catalan judge with more than 20 years in Spain's judiciary, was sworn in today as the fifth full-time magistrate of Andorra's Tribunal de Corts, finalizing its core roster amid ongoing controversy over foreign appointments in the justice system.

The institutional ceremony, led by Josep Maria Rossell, president of the Consell Superior de la Justícia (CSJ), followed a selection process involving three internal competitions and one external recruitment drive. It overcame legal objections, including a challenge from judge Alexandra Terés that questioned hiring a non-Andorran amid pushes for greater local representation in the courts. Although Terés's objection did not proceed to the Constitutional Court, it fueled weeks of public debate on Andorranization. The CSJ upheld the process's legality, securing endorsement from the Tribunal Superior and proceeding with the appointment.

De Rosa, who joined Spain's judicial career in 2001 and served at courts in Igualada, Guipúscoa, Manresa, and Barcelona's Investigating Court No. 10, vowed to perform her role with integrity and impartiality under the Constitution. She expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and promised to meet the expectations of that confidence and Andorra's needs.

Rossell praised her broad expertise, particularly in international judicial cooperation, professional training, and European and Mediterranean initiatives on institutional modernization, fundamental rights, and court innovation. She also held institutional roles, such as heading the Spanish Judicial School's international and institutional relations unit.

Her integration strengthens the Tribunal de Corts at a time of heavy caseloads and resource strains. Rossell anticipates reduced need for criminal court judges (batlles) to cover absences—a frequent issue given the court's prior reliance on former prosecutors. The CSJ is exploring dedicated substitutes for temporary gaps, recusals, or conflicts to streamline operations. Applications for a new substitute pool closed Thursday, with selections expected within a month. Last year's initial group drew mostly active Catalan judges, as few retired or emeritus Andorran magistrates applied; such roles often go to experts from Spain or France.

Rossell is also considering substitutes for forming full panels to sidestep batlle involvement in compatibility issues. Separate competitions continue for three batlle posts and three deputy prosecutors—all requiring Andorran nationality—to tackle shortages. He noted sustained high workloads, exacerbated by factors like retirements, while framing Andorranization as an ongoing effort that favors local entry-level hires alongside foreign specialists for stability, as allowed by law. Additional staffing could follow to ease pressures.