Romanian judges threaten court shutdown over salary law

More than 1,100 judges and prosecutors from courts across Romania have signed a letter with 33 proposals demanding a rewrite of the draft unified salary law. They argue that the current bill undervalues judicial work, citing the proposed salary coefficient for High Court judges (5.50) as far below that of the prime minister (7.50) and other senior officials. The signatories call for the High Court judges to receive the higher coefficient and for guarantees of economic independence from the outset of a magistrate’s career.

Judicial bodies in Bucharest, Pitești, Oradea, Timișoara, Sălaj and Zalău have issued identical communiqués condemning what they describe as a "constant and increasingly severe degradation of the rule of law" caused by political subordination. They have asked the Superior Council of Magistracy to intervene domestically and internationally, and have warned that they may suspend court activity, including a full shutdown, if their demands are not met. The protest highlights concerns about the law’s link to GDP‑linked salary growth, pension calculations, and performance bonuses.

The coordinated stance reflects broad opposition within the Romanian judiciary to the salary reform and underscores fears that the legislation could compromise judicial independence and the functioning of courts nationwide.