Chief Prosecutor Aspires High Court Position
The Fiscal General de la República (Chief Prosecutor), Francisco Dall’Anese Ruiz, announced yesterday his bid for the position of magistrate with the Magistrado de la Sala III.

Dall'Anese formally announced his candidacy to the court to the Comisión de Nombramientos de la Asamblea Legislativa before the closing time of 11am. He is one 11 candidates for the job to replace outgoing magistrate, Rodrigo Castro, who is retiring.

Dall'Anese told the press that everyone who works with the Poder Judicial aspires to end his or her career on the bench. Asked if he more qualified than the other candidates, he replied "all the candidates possess good qualities that they can bring to the bench".

Dall'Anese is sent to end his term as Fiscal General in eleven months, unless he is re-appointed.

Under naming rules, Dall'Anese does not have to leave the Fiscalía until a decision is made. If he is appointed to the bench, Dall'Anese would then have to resign his current post, in which case he will then face a number of pending investigations at trial as a judge instead of prosecutor.

Dall'Anese assures that he possesses the requirements to sit on the Sala III bench, having filled in as substitute judge from time to time.

Asked of the pending cases, Dall'Anese said that in job like his there are always cases that are going to be left behind as their investigation goes beyond the term of office. Asked specifically on his feelings of leaving behind the case of the two former presidents, the chief prosecutor said that the cases are in the early stage of investigation and probably would go to trial before his current term ends.

To be appointed to the bench, a candidate has to receive at least 38 votes from legislators during a session of the Legislature.

"An opportunity to sit on the bench does not come always. One cannot allow an opportunity as such to pass. Some time ago I passed on such an opportunity, feeling I wasn't ready then. I am now", said Dall'Anese, who added that if he is not appointed to the bench, he will seek re-election to the Fiscalía.