The Judges Union on Wednesday issued a damning statement that criticizes the proposal made by Supreme Court President Vassiliki Thanou, aged 66, to raise the age limit for judges beyond the current 67 years. The statement released by the union said the suggestion was “scary, primarily because of the ease and the unbelievable frivolity in which an attempt is made to overcome constitutional barriers.”
Thanou put forth the proposal during her meeting with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Tuesday during a sitting with other judges who are nearing their retirement age next year. Present at the meeting was Council of State President Nikos Sakellariou. Following the talks she had told her fellow judges that Tsipras had favorably viewed her proposal.
The judges were critical that top judges would suggest a proposal that is not constitutional bearing in mind that judges must not surpass 67 years of age according to Greek Law.
New Democracy Reacts
The main opposition conservative New Democracy party was also critical of the proposal to extend the age limit of active judges and accused the SYRIZA-led government of attempting to tamper with Greece’s institutions. “The retirement age of judges is set by the constitution. Any decision to change the limit would be unthinkable,” said the party in a statement.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
