The Justice Council is considering appealing to the Constitutional Court regarding judges' pension calculation
The Justice Council in Latvia plans to appeal to the Constitutional Court if the Saeima adopts the special pension law for judges and prosecutors again without significant changes.
The Justice Council (TP) of Latvia has announced its intention to appeal to the Constitutional Court (ST) should the Saeima enact the Special Pension Law for Judges and Prosecutors without substantial amendments. This statement, made by Aigars Strupišs, the chairman of the TP and the Supreme Court (AT), reflects ongoing concerns regarding the pension calculation process for judges in Latvia. There remains considerable ambiguity surrounding the law, particularly after TP's request for the law to be reconsidered by the Legal Commission was declined in favor of the Budget and Finance (Tax) Commission, prompting further frustration among legal authorities.
Strupišs emphasized the importance of maintaining the existing pension calculation based on the average salary of the last five years, opposing any changes that would alter the calculation period to ten years. He argued that such a revision would have detrimental effects, leading TP to pursue legal action not only within the country but potentially with the European Commission if necessary. This reflects a broader concern about the financial security and recognition of judges' contributions to the legal system in Latvia, underscoring the need for legislative clarity and fairness in pension distribution.
The chairman of the Supreme Court recognizes the urgency of this issue at the national level, pointing out that if the Saeima fails to address the council’s concerns, TP will seek alternatives to ensure the rights of the judiciary are upheld. This situation signifies a critical intersection of legislative action and the judiciary's independence in Latvia, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the legal system amid potential changes to pension legislation.