President Nicusor Dan continues discussions with representatives of magistrates

President Nicusor Dan believes that the discussion held at the Cotroceni Palace with representatives of magistrates was also useful for the general public to understand the conditions in which they work.

11 judges and current or former prosecutors were present at the dialogue round that was broadcast live by the presidential administration, and the participants complained about numerous problems in the justice system.

From interference by superiors in certain criminal cases, problems related to the procedures by which promotions are made, to the proximity of some magistrates to political actors or the concentrated power at the top of the courts.

Alexandru Oancea, a prosecutor recently dismissed from office after resignation, believes that the judiciary cannot self-govern.

"You said, Mr. President, that you expect the judiciary to self-regulate, to self-govern. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible in the current form, because all the levers regarding judicial organization, career promotion are held at key points in this system. The SCM, the High Court, the courts of appeal have control", said Alexandru Oancea.

For his part, military prosecutor Bogdan Pirlog said that the judicial system in Romania is in a critical situation. He also mentioned a series of structural problems that affect the functioning of this system.

"The changes that have been promoted have created a system through which a majority within the Judges' Section can control everything that means relevant justice in this country. I consider it to be a feudal system", explained Bogdan Pirlog.

At the end of the discussion, President Nicusor Dan emphasized that there would be space, under the same conditions, for people who felt targeted by what the magistrates present at the meeting at the Cotroceni Palace said.

Later, the president also had discussions with magistrates who did not want the meeting to be public.

Translated by: Radu Matei