In this sense, he affirmed that the new president of the Court must break the silence in the face of criticism and assume an active role as a spokesperson, as citizenship demands clear and timely explanations. According to the law, to be a magistrate of the Supreme Court, and therefore a candidate for president of this body, it is necessary to be Panamanian by birth, be at least 35 years old, possess a degree in law and have practiced the profession of lawyer, judicial office, prosecutor, Public Defense or university professor for 10 years. Amid the scandals that have marked the management of the current president of the Supreme Court of Justice, María Eugenia López, legal experts have begun to outline the profile that the person who assumes this position must have, in a context marked by the citizen demand for greater transparency, independence and institutional integrity. While the new president of the Supreme Court of Justice is announced, jurists agree that solid technical knowledge of the law is not enough. They point out that the position also requires creativity to promote reforms, dialogue skills with the different state branches, the ability to convey closeness and trust to the citizenry, proven integrity, mental balance and firmness to resist external pressures. According to lawyer Basilio González, after four years of criticism for lack of leadership and opacity, the new president of the Court must be an agent of change in a judicial system perceived as corrupt. You may be interested: Students present recommendations for the care of the artificial lake, December 23, 2025. First, to permanently appoint all judges and magistrates at the national level, a process pending for five years. “Judges act out of fear of reprisals, which undermines their impartiality,” he affirms, recalling that the Constitution requires independence without hierarchical superiors. In addition, he urges the creation of a team of official spokespersons to defend judges against public criticism. “Criminal judges cannot respond alone; the Court must investigate and refute unfounded accusations,” he explains. This would prevent public opinion, social networks or the media from condemning decisions without context. For his part, lawyer Juan Carlos Araúz stated that the next president of the Supreme Court of Justice must have the ability to convey closeness to the citizenry, avoiding the complexities of legal language that, in his opinion, have generated distance and misunderstanding about the rulings issued by the courts. He pointed out that justice has reached a point where many citizens do not understand judicial decisions, which weakens confidence in the system. Araúz also emphasized the need for greater institutional dialogue capacity, especially with the Legislative and Executive branches, to build bridges that strengthen the functioning of the State. He indicated that creative projects are needed to transform the administration of justice. Among the qualities that the new magistrate president must have are creativity to promote reforms and dialogue skills. Traditionally, in an extraordinary plenary session in early January, the new magistrate president is elected, who will preside over the Supreme Court of Justice for a two-year period. PA Archive. The credibility of the judicial system is once again at the center of the public debate. Watch out for purchases, ask for an invoice and warranty, December 23, 2025. Repairing an important road in the Colón Free Zone and the maritime ports, December 23, 2025. The polleras are going to the street on Saturday, January 17, They are in charge!, December 23, 2025. APEDE supports legal brake to automatic appointments in the Assembly, December 23, 2025. González, who at one time aspired to be a magistrate of the Supreme Court of Justice, emphasizes the need for a leader with internal experience in the Court, capable of breaking with the practices of the last two presidencies. González proposes concrete measures to shield judicial independence. Once elected, he will be in office for two years.
