Andorra Appoints First Substitute Magistrate Amid Judicial Shortages

Josep Maria Rossell, president of Andorra's Superior Council of Justice (CSJ), attended Víctor Correas Sitja's swearing-in ceremony as the first substitute magistrate on Wednesday, a role created by legislative changes a year ago to cover judges facing recusals or incompatibilities.

The event took place in the presence of Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné and General Syndic Carles Ensenyat. Rossell explained that the Superior Court had requested a penal law specialist for its criminal chamber, where shortages have emerged this year amid recent judge retirements. Correas, appointed from an annual merit-based pool of candidates, fills this gap.

Rossell noted that no further substitute magistrates have been named yet, as selections depend on needs identified from the pool. He addressed ongoing recruitment for three deputy prosecutor positions and three reinforcement bailiff roles, where only five applications have been received so far. "We probably won't fill all vacancies in this round, but we'll see how it ends and open another if needed," he said.

The CSJ leader stressed the absence of prior planning when his team took office in 2023, worsened by multiple retirements. It now intends to analyze needs over the next four to five years, considering factors like population growth and caseloads to decide on additional magistrates, bailiffs, or prosecutors. More publicity for calls is planned to attract candidates, though no start date for the analysis was given, as it is not an immediate priority.

Approval of a new personnel law for the CSJ and justice administration, now in parliamentary proceedings, remains the top focus. "The priority is to have the necessary tools so we can function better," Rossell emphasized.