The President of Latvia pointed out that the decision adopted by the Saeima to lift the restriction to a Chairperson of a district (city) court and a Chairperson of a regional court to hold this office for more than two consecutive terms was not aimed at the development of the judicial system.
“The change of officials after a certain period to enable other professionals to take on leadership as well and not constant sticking of good managers in their positions characterise strong democratic systems. Long-term presence in one office can create a risk of stagnation,” emphasises Raimonds Vējonis.
The President of Latvia believes that a real rotation in the leading positions of the judiciary would promote professional development at all levels of the bench. It would allow as many judges as possible to acquire new professional and managerial skills and would encourage judges to become more active in addressing issues of general interest to the consolidation of the rule of law.
“The obligation to select another person for a certain position after a reasonable time, even though a previous leader has performed his duties well and in good faith, promotes the development of any institution,” stated the President of Latvia.
Therefore, Raimonds Vējonis calls on the Saeima to evaluate all the existing regulations in other areas under which officials are not restricted to hold their respective offices for more than two consecutive terms in a systemic manner.