The bank noted that progress slowed or has completely stopped regarding some initiatives that were included in the reform program and were supported by the World Bank and the European Union. In 2005, the bank gave funds for the completion of a report on Romanian courts, which concluded that a decrease in the number courts was in order. Yet, no action has been taken on this front since 2006.
A second initiative was meant to identify those factors that affected judicial performances and to improve responsibility within the judiciary. The World Bank noted that the Superior Magistracy Council (CSM) has adopted measures that run counter to the initiative.
The bank also expressed dissatisfaction that judges are appointed directly without having to take aptitude tests, despite the fact that the law specifically states that this should be done only in exceptional cases.
CSM replied, saying that the World Bank has exceeded its authority by criticizing the pace of judicial reform and noted that the remarks of the bank’s representatives “interfered with Romania's justice system.” The CSM believes the project financed by the World Bank is on schedule and will be completed by the end of the current year.
The World Bank team discussed these issues with Justice Minister Tudor Chiuariu, who promised that the government will not slow down the pace of reform. Chiuariu pointed out that a new plan for implementing reform measures is being drafted.
Victor Ponta, the vice president of the Social Democrat Party, said Chiuariu is not to be blamed for the World Bank criticisms, as he was appointed by a group of businesspersons. Corneliu Vadim Tudor, the head of the Greater Romania Party, said Chiuariu is too young to bear the blame for those mistakes.
Source: Newsin
