The Argentine government is facing a time crunch to fill judicial vacancies before the end of the ordinary session, which could impact the functioning of the judiciary.
In Israel, the delay in appointing a Supreme Court president is causing significant strain on the judicial system, highlighting the risks of political delays in judicial appointments.
Both countries are experiencing political tensions that affect their judicial systems, with Argentina using appointments as a bargaining chip in political negotiations.
The interconnectedness of judicial appointments and political stability is evident in both Argentina and Israel, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective governance.
If the Argentine government fails to secure Senate approval for its Supreme Court candidates, it may resort to appointing judges by decree, which could lead to institutional challenges.
The convening of the committee in Israel may lead to a swift resolution regarding the Supreme Court presidency, potentially stabilizing the judicial system if a vote occurs.
Continued delays in judicial appointments in either country could result in increased public dissatisfaction and calls for reform in the judicial selection process.
Changes in the Justice System: A Dual Focus on Appointments
As the deadline for ordinary sessions approaches on November 30, the Argentine government is accelerating its efforts to fill vacancies within the judicial system. President Javier Milei's administration is preparing to submit applications for 146 federal judges, 37 prosecutors, and 45 public defenders to Congress. Justice Secretary Sebastián Amerio confirmed that the government intends to send the names in batches, aiming to complete the process within two weeks. This move is crucial as one in three courts currently lacks a judge, and half of the prosecutor positions are unfilled. The urgency is heightened by ongoing negotiations regarding the appointments of Milei's candidates for the Supreme Court, Ariel Lijo and Manuel García Mansilla.
Meanwhile, in Israel, Justice Minister Yariv Levin is responding to a ruling by the High Court of Justice by convening a committee for the selection of judges on November 28. The committee's agenda includes discussions on electing the President and Vice President of the Supreme Court. This meeting comes after criticism regarding the delay in appointing a permanent president, which has raised concerns about the stability and functioning of the judicial system. MK Karin Alharer emphasized in a letter to Levin that the ongoing vacancy is detrimental to the judicial system, putting excessive pressure on judges and impairing the quality of service provided to citizens.
The Political Landscape and Judicial Appointments
The situation in Argentina reflects a broader political strategy, where the government is leveraging judicial appointments to negotiate support from various political factions. The upcoming appointments are not only vital for maintaining judicial integrity but also play a significant role in the political dynamics between the ruling party and its allies, particularly in the Senate. The government's plan to fill judicial vacancies is intertwined with the ongoing discussions about the Supreme Court, highlighting the interconnectedness of these issues.
In Israel, the pressure on Justice Minister Levin illustrates the challenges faced in maintaining a functional judicial system amidst political maneuvering. The delay in appointing a president for the Supreme Court has been criticized as a dereliction of duty, and the upcoming committee meeting aims to address these concerns. The health of the judicial system in both countries is under scrutiny as they navigate complex political landscapes while attempting to uphold their respective legal frameworks.
