New episode of the podcast of the Constitutional Court of Latvia. Mr Kari Kusiniemi, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland: courts have a special responsibility to represent European values
The Constitutional Court of Latvia publishes a new episode of the podcast “Tversme”, in which Mr Aldis Laviņš, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Latvia, and Mr Kari Kuusiniemi, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland, discuss the role of constitutional courts in restoring peace and international order during crises, as well as the Finnish model of constitutional control and the Supreme Administrative Court’s case law and views on international cooperation.
Mr Kari Kusiniemi, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland, when speaking about the role of the courts in restoring international justice and peace, stressed: “In an ideal world, the legislator adopts laws, complies with the international treaties, judges administer justice, applies and interprets laws. Especially in these times, constitutional and supreme courts have a special responsibility to represent and promote European values, peace and the rule of law. The courts are responsible for defence of these values.” During the conversation about the importance of international cooperation in the work of the courts, Mr Kari Kusiniemi said: “International cooperation broadens judges’ perspectives on the legal systems, problems and solutions in different countries. International cooperation provides an opportunity to shape and improve the common agenda on justice. We can share practice and organise discussions, because we apply the same European Union laws, the European Convention on Human Rights and other international obligations.”
In a conversation about different models of constitutional control, Kari Kusiniemi stressed that “Our courts face similar problems and challenges, we apply similar values and principles. Our courts form part of a common legal culture. Although Latvia and Finland have different models of constitutional control, the result is similar and fair.”
“Judicial independence, full commitment and high motivation of judges are essential elements for maintaining a clear balance of power in the country, for the development of public welfare and for strengthening the European rule of law”, stressed Kari Kusiniemi.
A conversation between Mr Aldis Laviņš, President of the Constitutional Court, and Mr Kari Kusiniemi, President of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland, took place within the framework of bilateral meeting of both courts.
Episode of the podcast in English is available here: