PSD refers the matter to LIBE Committee regarding PNL's statements on judicial independence

 The Social Democratic Party announced on Thursday that it had referred the matter to the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) regarding "PNL's attacks on the independence of the judiciary in Romania." The Social Democrats maintain that recent statements by the Liberals raise questions concerning respect for judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the rule of law."The Social Democratic Party delegation in the European Parliament expresses its concern regarding the PNL's attacks on Romania's judicial system and considers that recent statements by the Liberals raise questions concerning respect for judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the rule of law?fundamental values of the European Union. In this context, the PSD representative on the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) has notified the LIBE Committee Chair and coordinators, requesting that this situation be examined within the framework of the European dialogue on the rule of law?including through a debate in the LIBE Committee and, if deemed appropriate, within the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG)," states a press release issued by the PSD on Thursday.PSD clarifies that the initiative does not seek to have the European Parliament rule on cases pending before Romanian courts, as these fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of national courts."The request concerns public statements made in recent days by representatives of the National Liberal Party, challenging the method of assigning judicial panels and the courts' handling of cases involving their own party, as well as criminal investigations into alleged corruption involving Liberal leaders. These assertions prompted a firm response from the Superior Council of Magistracy?the constitutional body guaranteeing judicial independence?which described the situation as an 'unprecedented escalation' of rhetoric against the courts and warned that such messages could undermine public confidence in the impartiality and authority of the judicial system. The Superior Council of Magistracy further emphasized that court rulings may be challenged solely through the legal avenues provided by law, rather than by shifting active litigation into the public arena in a manner that could exert pressure on judges," the Social Democrats added in the statement.The PSD delegation to the European Parliament states that any individual or political entity has the right to use all legal avenues to challenge a court ruling and to seek institutional clarifications; however, it considers that "public pressure on magistrates, challenging the legitimacy of the courts, or attempts to discredit the judiciary before legal proceedings have been exhausted are incompatible with the principles of judicial independence, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.""Judicial independence is one of the foundations of the European Union and an essential condition for protecting citizens' rights, combating corruption, and strengthening trust in democratic institutions. This principle must be consistently upheld across all Member States, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved. Through this initiative, the PSD calls upon European institutions to closely monitor these developments, reaffirming the European Union's commitment to defending judicial independence and the rule of law. Romania needs strong institutions, respect for court rulings, and a responsible political climate in which inter-party disputes are resolved through democratic and legal means, rather than through public pressure on the judiciary," the statement further notes.