Romanian Business Leaders: Independent judiciary essential for democracy, functional economy

Romania cannot progress if one of the state's fundamental powers loses credibility, the Romanian Business Leaders (RBL) organisation warns, urging judicial institutions, professional magistrates' associations and good-faith colleagues to take a stand and call for clear, swift, and thorough investigations wherever there are indications of irregularities.According to the organisation, the appeal is addressed to both upright magistrates and the country's leadership and follows the recent Recorder documentary highlighting problems within the justice system."The recent Recorder investigation has brought back into public focus an open wound of Romanian society: the erosion of trust in the act of justice. This episode does not reveal only possible abuses or worrying practices; it also brings to light an uncomfortable truth - Romania cannot progress if one of the state's fundamental powers loses its credibility. In view of this reality, Romanian Business Leaders makes a dual appeal: to the upright magistrates of Romania and to the country's leaders. Appeal to upright magistrates: Your courage is essential. You are not alone. There are numerous professionals within the justice system who carry out their mission with honesty, honour and respect for the law. To them we address a direct message: Romanian society needs you. The business environment needs you. Democracy needs you," the Romanian Business Leaders organisation states in the document.The RBL stresses that Romania needs upright magistrates to speak out, to act, and to defend their profession and principles, even under heavy pressure."We know the pressure can be enormous, and the risk of isolation is real. But we assure you that you are not alone. Civil society, the business community and citizens who believe in the rule of law stand with you. Romania needs upright magistrates to speak up, to act and to defend their profession and principles. We urge judicial institutions, professional associations of magistrates and good-faith colleagues to take a stand, to seek clarifications and to demand swift and serious investigations wherever there are signs of irregularities. Silence cannot be a solution," the appeal underlines.Business representatives also address the head of state and the prime minister, calling on them to ensure the full exercise of responsibility by the state's fundamental institutions."We ask the President of Romania and the Prime Minister to use all legal and constitutional levers to restore the credibility of the judicial system. This may include: supporting rigorous and independent investigations into the reported issues; initiating or supporting legislative amendments, if needed, to correct structural failings; strengthening mechanisms of transparency, meritocracy and accountability within the judicial system; protecting and encouraging magistrates who perform their duties with integrity, as well as those who express their views freely and honestly," the document states.In this context, business leaders argue that Romania urgently needs firm and coherent measures to restore citizens' confidence that justice operates in their interest, not in favour of certain influence groups. Without real judicial independence, credible institutions and sanctions for abuses, Romania cannot achieve prosperity, stability or sustainable development."Without justice there is no functional economy. A state in which rules are not applied fairly and equally is one in which investment declines, entrepreneurs lose confidence, and innovation and competition are stifled. Future generations will judge us not by the comfort of silence, but by the courage of our voice," the appeal concludes.The Romanian Business Leaders Foundation is an organisation of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs developing projects with social impact and supporting a society grounded in liberal democracy, fully integrated and in solidarity with its European family.