EPP President: The independence of justice is in danger in Romania. A sad day

Following the vote to overhaul the judiciary in Romania, Joseph Daul, President of the European People’s Party (EPP), made the following statement, posted on the website of the party at epp.eu:

“Today is a sad day for Romania and for all the Romanian citizens who demonstrated in the streets to defend the independence of justice. The separation of powers is a pillar of democracy. The justice system shall never be put under political control in an EU Member State. The actions of the socialist-led coalition undermine the rule of law in Romania. These are signs of a sick democracy.

The changes to judicial law and the amputation of the National Anticorruption Directorate are alarming. By tightening their grip on Romanian institutions, the socialists may increase their powers, but it is weakening Romania. The stability and the credibility of the country are at stake. And we want to express all our support to the magistrates, judges, prosecutors and people who fight corruption, who strive for a fair and independent judiciary in Romania. A weaker judiciary means more corruption, and more corruption means more poverty for the ordinary people.

One year before taking over the presidency of the European Union, the people of Romania deserve a government that defends the rule of law, fights for an independent judiciary and combats corruption.”

The EPP President also expressed his “deep regret regarding the votes of EPP member party RMDSZ (UDMR – our note),” who are supporting the socialist government.