New constitutional judges sworn in

The Constitutional Court judges Igor Dolea and Tudor Pantiru, who were elected by the Supreme Council of Magistrates, were sworn in during the February 22 sitting of Parliament, Info-Prim Neo reports. In order to become judge of the Constitutional Court, the candidates must be highly proficient and have a length of service of at least 15 years of judicial work, in juridical education or scientific activity, and be citizens of Moldova with residence in the country. Communist lawmakers said that Tudor Pantiru cannot serve as Constitutional Court judge because he hadn’t lived in Moldova over the last 10 years, while the leader of the Socialists Igor Dodon said that Pantiru cannot become constitutional judge because he has dual nationality – Moldovan and Romanian. Head of Parliament Marian Lupu reminded that the two candidates were chosen by the Supreme Council of Magistrates and came before the MPs only to be sworn in. Attending the swearing-in ceremony, President Nicolae Timofti said the Council’s choice was good and wished the new constitutional judges success. Tudor Pantiru and Igor Dolea were elected for a six-year period. They will replace Valeria Sterbet and Victor Puscas. Until recently, Tudor Pantiru worked as an international judge at the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Igor Dolea is a Habilitate Doctor of Law and a member of the Supreme Council of Magistrates. The other two constitutional judges who are completing their duties - Dumitru Pulbere and Elena Safaleru – were selected by Parliament and will be substituted also by the legislative body. The Constitutional Court consists of six judges who are named for six-year tenure. They are chosen by two by Parliament, the Government, and the Supreme Council of Magistrates. The post of Constitutional Court judge is incompatible with any other remunerated public or private job, except for teaching and scientific activities. The constitutional judges enjoy immunity.