The results of the survey regarding the selection of the professional quota for the Judges' Chamber of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) reveal after the first ten days

In this short period, the anonymous responses from representatives of the judiciary have outlined clear expectations for the future members of the SJC’s Judges' Chamber and highlighted key issues that the professional community considers priorities.

The participant profile shows a predominance of judges (69%), with nearly two-thirds possessing over 11 years of experience. This lends weight to the results, as they reflect the views of individuals with extensive practical experience within the judicial system.

What qualities are expected of the candidates?

The responses reveal a strong consensus:

- Independence and impartiality (83%)

- Integrity (76%)

- Professional competence (69%)

- Understanding of the issues facing the courts (69%)

This indicates that the professional community is looking not merely for skilled legal professionals, but for individuals with moral fortitude and a realistic perspective on systemic challenges.

Which topics should be prioritized? The most prominent issues identified are:

- Personnel policy and selection procedures (72%)

- Workload and resource allocation (66%)

- Public trust in the judicial system (66%)

- Judicial independence (55%)

A clear trend emerges here: future members are expected to address not only internal administrative matters but also issues that directly impact the quality of justice and public trust.

Transparency and accountability

72% of participants support public hearings, while 66% favor debates. This signals a desire for a more open process in which candidates are visible, subject to scrutiny, and accessible to the professional community. Suggestions for using podcasts indicate a drive toward modern, more accessible forms of communication.

Awareness and trust in the procedure

Most participants feel at least partially informed (62%), yet a significant proportion remains unfamiliar with the process.

Regarding the transparency of current rules, 69% believe they ensure transparency to some extent, while 31% hold a negative view. This suggests a need for improvements and clearer standards.

Response to attempted influence

34% would report any pressure exerted, and 24% would not vote for a candidate subject to such influence. However, there are also those who would vote for such a candidate. It is noteworthy that the largest group (38%) does not discuss the topic at all—an indicator of detachment or a reluctance to engage in informal discussions.

Trend Analysis

1. High importance placed on moral qualities

The data indicate that the professional community prioritizes moral qualities over administrative ones. This is a trend characteristic of systems where there is a sense of external pressure or a lack of trust.

2. Expectation of active reform

Issues such as workload, personnel policy, and public trust are paramount. This suggests that the judicial community expects tangible action rather than merely formal administration.

3. Desire for transparency and openness

Support for hearings and debates reflects a desire for a process that is visible and shielded from informal influences.

4. Moderate confidence in current rules

Responses regarding the transparency of election rules reveal ambivalence; the system is not perceived as entirely reliable. This signals a need for reform within the procedure itself.

5. Low tolerance for pressure, yet a high degree of detachment

The willingness to report issues is a new development, but the large proportion of individuals who do not discuss the topic may indicate a fear of conflict or a lack of faith in protection mechanisms. The campaign to elect the professional quota members of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) is just beginning, yet the data presented so far can already serve as a snapshot—both for the candidates themselves and for those of us judges considering whom to support.

We invite those of you, esteemed colleagues, who have not yet completed the anonymous survey to do so. This is a way to express your views and expectations. Trends may shift or become more pronounced as the process unfolds.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.