Romanian Magistrates Vote Livia Stanciu For Supreme Court President

Stanciu said that, if appointed by Basescu, she is bound to bring balance between the country's judiciary and the executive and legislative powers, adding she will do her best to set things right in the legal system.

Stanciu's contenders for the Supreme Court headship included judges Gabriela Birsan, Rodica Popa, Danut Cornoiu and Elena Circei.

On October 22, 2009, the High Council of Magistrates voted former council head Lidia Barbulescu to be president of the country's High Court of Justice, but her appointment was pending approval by Basescu, whom Barbulescu has often criticized, which brought her wide sympathies on the part of judges who found her attitude brave.

Early November 5, 2009, Basescu said he will make a decision in this respect that will serve Romanians' interests. On December 3 2009, Basescu said he will not appoint Barbulescu as president of the High Court of Justice.

Under Romanian law, the president, vice-president and department heads at the High Court of Justice are appointed by the head of state at the proposition of the High Council of Magistrates. Appointments are made from among judges who have worked at the High Court for at least two years. The Supreme Court president has a three-year term and may be reinstated only once.

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