Andorra's Top Judge: New Magistrates Cover TSJ Needs, More May Be Needed
Two new substitute magistrates were sworn in to Andorra's Supreme Court of Justice, meeting immediate needs, though the president warns more reinforcements might be required for the legislative court amid ongoing challenges. He pushes for long-term planning and reforms.
Key Points
- Maria Lluïsa Maurel and Hugo Novales sworn in as substitute magistrates for TSJ's criminal chamber and Corts court.
- CSJ President Josep Maria Rossell says TSJ needs met but urges monitoring for Corts due to potential recusals.
- Calls for 5-6 year judicial planning and legislative reform to boost agility.
- Ongoing exams for judges/prosecutors; new contest planned for 2027 magistrates.
Josep Maria Rossell, president of Andorra's Superior Council of Justice (CSJ), said the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) now has its immediate needs covered after two new substitute magistrates took their oaths on Wednesday.
Maria Lluïsa Maurel and Hugo Novales joined the roster during the ceremony. Maurel, a judicial career member since 2011 and previously a substitute judge in Granollers and Barcelona, will bolster the TSJ's criminal chamber. Novales, practising since 1996 and currently at Barcelona's investigative courts after postings including Arrecife de Lanzarote and Girona, will support the Corts court.
Rossell indicated the TSJ's requirements are met for now, barring any unforeseen issues. For Corts, however, he urged caution, as substitute judges often must form panels amid recusals, conflicts of interest, or staff absences. "We need to give it some time to see if this addition suffices," he said, leaving open the possibility of further reinforcements.
The new magistrates enter a merit-based pool formed via competition, serving up to six years with annual renewals based on tribunal demands. Tribunal presidents decide their chamber assignments, and they rotate like regular judges.
Rossell stressed the need for five- or six-year planning of judicial roles—including judges, magistrates, and prosecutors—to anticipate vacancies, retirements, and promotions. He linked this to avoiding past disruptions, such as unfilled replacements causing workload backlogs. A related legislative reform before the General Council would grant the CSJ necessary powers; he called the overhaul essential for greater agility and has pressed parliamentary groups to pass it.
A competitive exam for three judge and three prosecutor positions continues, with theoretical and practical tests set for late September. Only five candidates remain for six spots, forcing a new call for one vacancy. The CSJ has also approved a merit-based contest to add neighbouring-country magistrates to the 2027 substitute list.
Justice Minister Ester Molné and State Secretary Joan Antoni León attended the event.
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