17.03.2016 – The Association of Constitutional Justice of the Countries of the Baltic and Black Sea Regions (BBCJ) is rallying behind Venice Commission’s statement and it expresses its deep concern on the blockage of the work of the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland, the pressures exercised on the Constitutional Courts of Georgia and Turkey, as well as concerning the delay in the appointment of Constitutional Courts judges of Croatia and Slovakia.
An important component of the rule of law is represented by Constitutional Justice, administered by the Constitutional Court. The role of Constitutional Courts is essential and defining, it representing the very pillar supporting the State and democracy.
BCCJ supports the Opinion of the Venice Commission on amendments to the Act on the Constitutional Tribunal of Poland, adopted at its 106th Plenary Session, and expresses its concern on the events that take place in Poland that are undermining democracy, the rule of law, as well as human rights and freedoms.
The statements made by certain State authorities addressing the Constitutional Courts of Georgia and Turkey, and the pressures exercised on them, represent an act of contempt of their constitutional independence, which is unacceptable in a democratic state.
Also, in respect of the delays in appointing judges of the Constitutional Courts in Croatia and Slovakia, BBCJ is concerned on the legal blockage established in the appointment of Croatian constitutional judges and the institutional conflict between the Constitutional Court of Slovakia and the Slovakian presidency. The prompt appointment of constitutional judges aims to guarantee the proper functionality of a constitutional court, and thus ensure the development of democracy and stability of the rule of law.
Alexandru TĂNASE
Acting President of the Association of Constitutional Justice of the Countries of the Baltic and Black Sea Regions
