Romania Finalizes Draft of Judiciary Overhaul Criticized by EU

Romania has put the finishing touches to a plan to overhaul the judiciary that critics say erodes judicial independence and which will have to be discussed with the European Union, reported Reuters. 

When the scheme was first outlined in August, Brussels asked government for more details, expressing concern it may be a step backwards in the country's fight against corruption.

The plan, also questioned by the president, magistrates and diplomats, was announced just six months after the Social Democrat-led (PSD) government attempted to weaken a crackdown on graft, triggering Romania's largest street protests in decades.

Justice Minister Tudorel Toader gave no details of the new contents of the draft, but the original announcement included giving the minister control over the judicial inspection unit, currently managed by an independent magistrates' watchdog (CSM).

Critics say that would mean the minister could put pressure on judges. More than 3,500 magistrates across the country have signed a petition, asking the minister to withdraw the plan."The ministry has finalised the bill. We've written a request for an opinion from the Venice Commission ... there will also be a discussion with Frans Timmermans on Oct. 26," Justice Minister Tudorel Toader told reporters on Wednesday.

The Venice Commission is part of the Council of Europe rights body. Timmermans is the European Commission's vice president.

Romania is seen as one of the bloc's most corrupt member states and Brussels keeps its justice system under special monitoring together with southern neighbor Bulgaria.

In fellow former Communist country Poland, an overhaul of the judiciary, coupled with a government drive to expand its powers in other areas, including control of media,...