Magistrates resist the government

The second package of measures to reduce the budget deficit remains in the attention of the Government and the coalition next week, given that the investments that can still be continued this year through the "Anghel Saligny" program should be identified as quickly as possible. In parallel, the first budget rectification is expected and, at the request of PSD, significant funds could be redirected for some local development projects. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan had also proposed to finalize the draft reform of magistrates' pensions next week, but their resistance seems difficult to overcome.

Reporter: Discussions on the draft law, which proposes increasing the standard retirement age of magistrates to 65, but also reducing the amount of pensions for this professional category, will certainly continue next week.

On Friday, at the Cotroceni Palace, a discussion was held between President Nicusor Dan and representatives of magistrates on this issue, but without reaching a result, given that the Government document proposes that magistrates' pensions be reduced to a maximum of 70% of the last net salary and that the retirement age be gradually increased to 65 years.

The executive's intention triggered a wave of vehement protests by magistrates.

The CSM believes that the expected changes will lead to the destruction of the justice system in the long term.

For its part, the Judges' Forum Association estimated that the changes proposed by the Government could lead to the immediate retirement or resignation of over 1.000 magistrates, although the Prime Minister had specified that among the proposals there is also a transitional provision, which would allow active personnel who meet the current retirement conditions to benefit from the provisions now and after the change in the rules.

Another point of discussion within the Government, next week, is the measures aimed at reducing local administration expenses, as well as those regarding the "Anghel Saligny" program, the announced measures leading to protests by mayors, dissatisfied that many of the projects started could be blocked due to lack of investment.

Translated by: Radu Matei