The Foundation for the Defence of Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has requested information from the Superior Council of Magistracy regarding the appointment of judges at the national level between the years 2022 and 2024. In its response, the SCM furnished a comprehensive account of the evolution of this occupancy rate. As of 1 November 2024, the total number of judges' posts was 5073, of which 4320 were occupied and 753 were vacant, resulting in an overall scheme occupancy rate of 85.16%.
The evolution of job vacancy rates shows an improvement compared to the previous year, when the occupancy rate was only 77.91%.
The distribution of posts by jurisdiction is as follows:
- High Court of Cassation and Justice
- Total posts: 122
- Posts filled: 103
- Vacant posts: 19
- Occupancy rate: 84,43%
- Courts of Appeal
- Total posts: 930
- Posts filled: 896
- Vacant posts: 34
- Occupancy rate: 96,34%
- General Court
- Total posts: 1702
- Posts filled: 1276
- Vacant posts: 426
- Occupancy rate: 74,97%
- Court
- Total posts: 2319
- Posts filled: 2045
- Vacant posts: 274
- Occupancy rate: 88,18%
Comparative evolution between 2022-2024
- 2022: The total number of posts was 5079 with an occupancy rate of 83.23%.
- 2023: The total number of posts was 5066, with an occupancy rate of 77.91%.
- 2024: The total number of posts is 5073 with an occupancy rate of 85.16%.
The SCM notes that in 2024, only 230 posts out of the total number of vacancies are unallocated to filling procedures, suggesting a sustained effort to optimize resources in the judiciary.
The biggest shortfalls remain in the courts, with an occupancy rate of less than 75%, reflecting the need to continue efforts to make up the staff shortage at this level.
FACIAS will continue to monitor developments in the filling of posts and the measures taken to improve the functioning of the judicial system.
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