Constitutional changes initiated

A special commission of the National Assembly tasked with examining proposed amendments to the Constitution has initiated proceedings aimed at reforming judicial appointments, the first of several changes that may come its way in the coming months.

Under the amendment, which has been put forward by the three government coalition parties, the appointment of judges would be transferred from the National Assembly to the president. The nomination of candidates would remain in the hands of the Judicial Council.

Another major change would be a three-year probation period before a...