Romanian PSD asks EU Parliament to examine PNL attacks on judicial independence

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) in Romania has formally addressed the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), requesting that the body monitor recent statements by the National Liberal Party (PNL) which the PSD says undermine the independence of Romania’s judiciary. The complaint cites public comments from PNL representatives concerning court decisions on the party’s own congress and the composition of judicial panels, arguing these remarks raise doubts about the separation of powers and rule‑of‑law standards protected by the EU.

The PSD stresses that its request does not aim to have the European Parliament rule on the merits of national cases, but seeks a discussion within LIBE and the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG), as well as information from the European Commission and Romanian authorities. The country’s Supreme Council of Magistracy (CSM) has labeled the PNL statements an "escalation without precedent" and warned that such rhetoric could damage public confidence in the courts.

The party’s letter to the LIBE chair and coordinators asks that the issue be examined in the EU’s rule‑of‑law dialogue and, if appropriate, debated within the committee.