Key facts
- Venezuela's National Assembly approved a partial reform of the Supreme Court of Justice.
- The reform increases the number of members on the committee that selects Supreme Court justices.
- The reform aims to enhance judicial efficiency and pluralism.
- This legislative action is part of ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition factions.
- The reform was unanimously approved in its first discussion.
Venezuela's National Assembly has approved a partial reform of the Supreme Court of Justice, a move that increases the number of committee members responsible for selecting new justices. This legislative action, which passed unanimously in its first discussion, is part of ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition factions aimed at reforming the country's political system ahead of future elections.
The reform seeks to adjust the structure of the Judicial Applications Committee, which evaluates candidates for the highest court, and to reactivate the renewal of magistrates. The proposal, presented by Pedro Infante, first Vice-president of the Assembly, aims to combat procedural delay and strengthen institutional consolidation. The concrete proposal is to expand the Applications Committee to 23 members, with 11 deputies and 12 members from civil society.
President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez emphasized the need for structural change in the Judiciary to eradicate the commodification of justice and eliminate distortions. The appointment of the 32 magistrates will be the responsibility of the sitting parliamentarians, adhering to constitutional parameters. The selection process had been interrupted previously. The reform also aligns with broader plans including the renewal of Citizen Power authorities and progress on the Amnesty Law.
These reforms are occurring within the context of negotiations between Venezuela’s interim government, backed by the Trump administration, and a faction of the opposition, which began in August. Discussions also include reforms to the electoral council, as the current Supreme Court magistrates are tied to the ruling party.