Romania: Parliament approves controversial judiciary bill Dec. 19 /update 3

Event

The ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) passed controversial changes to Romania’s judiciary on Tuesday, December 19, in defiance of EU concerns over judicial independence. Critics claim that the legislation will make prosecution and conviction of officials accused of corruption more difficult. The bill still requires final approval from President Klaus Iohannis; it is unclear whether the president will sign it or return it to Parliament. Opposition groups have announced they will challenge the bill in the constitutional court.

Related protests, heightened security measures, and associated traffic disruptions are likely in the coming days, particularly in Bucharest.

Context

Protests erupted in Bucharest and other Romanian cities on December 10 against the proposed judicial reforms. Some 10,000 people participated in the protests in Bucharest, which primarily took place outside of government offices; an additional 10,000 people protested in other cities throughout the country, including in Cluj and Iași.

Public outrage broke out in February 2017 after the government ratified an emergency decree allowing certain corruption offenses to be decriminalized. This sparked the biggest protests seen in the country since the fall of communism in 1989. At least half a million Romanians took to the streets, forcing the government to eventually repeal the ordinance and the justice minister to resign. Protests have continued on a regular basis since February. In November, the European Commission stated that it was concerned over ongoing political efforts to undermine judicial independence in Romania. Transparency International considers Romania among the most corrupt countries in the European Union.

Advice

Individuals in Romania, particularly in Bucharest, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to avoid all demonstrations and rallies due to the risk of violence, and to follow all instructions issued by local authorities.