In the battle to preserve their privileges – special pensions, Romanian magistrates also bring external allies.
The Superior Council of Magistracy is presenting on Wednesday an official statement in which the international organization European Magistrates for Democracy and Freedoms (MEDEL) strongly condemns the denigration campaign against the judicial system in Romania, launched by the ruling parties under the pretext of reducing the budget deficit.
MEDEL states that the current political pressures endanger the rule of law, as translated by the CSM: "they may constitute attacks on constitutional order."
MEDEL warns that "the instigating discourse of hatred and public humiliation of magistrates" undermines citizens' trust in the Judiciary.
The organization warns that unbalanced attacks against magistrates may encourage non-compliance with court decisions and even violence against judges and prosecutors, falsely portrayed as responsible for budget constraints.
The organization further states that "unbalanced political attacks on the judicial system are irresponsible" and calls on authorities to "stop pressure tactics that destabilize and delegitimize the judicial system."
The document highlights that, in the last three years, in Romania, "repeated and substantial changes have been made to the status of judges and prosecutors," parallel to a political campaign of delegitimization, affecting "their ability to exercise their function independently."
Read the full MEDEL statement
CSM considers that "it is essential for the messages conveyed by international organizations in the field to be known to the public," at a time when trust in the Judiciary and respect for the separation of powers are being tested.
For over two weeks, the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) has vehemently criticized the proposed measures regarding the retirement system for magistrates.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced on July 29 that the retirement age in the justice system will increase to 65 years. Additionally, the seniority required for magistrates to retire will increase from 25 to 35 years, and the pension value of a magistrate is expected to be a maximum of 70% of the last net salary, not 80% of the gross salary. Magistrates who retire early, however, will lose 2% of their pension for each year.
Bolojan stated that this measure is necessary because one of the major problems in Romania is retiring too early.
Following the announcement made by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, the system first reacted through the voice of the CSM, then collectively at various levels.
Starting last Tuesday, the heads of the main courts in the country have issued public messages expressing solidarity with the actions of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) and concern about the impact of the new proposals on the status of magistrates.
On Tuesday, the Presidents of the Courts of Appeal took a stand, on Wednesday the Presidents of the Tribunals joined, and on Thursday the Presidents of the Courts sent a statement as well.