Romania is currently experiencing widespread protests related to corruption, a recurring issue for the Eastern European nation and its neighbors for over a decade. However, the current wave of demonstrations appears distinct, with a focus on affirming positive governance principles rather than simply opposing wrongdoing.
A Shift in Focus
Protesters are voicing their demands through slogans like “Justice, no corruption” and “Integrity, not complicity,” and displaying signs calling for “Respect for honest magistrates.” The demonstrations stem from a media report alleging that some judges may have assisted officials in avoiding corruption trials.
Hundreds of judges and prosecutors have publicly supported the protests by signing an open letter. This letter specifically champions whistleblowers within the judicial system who risk punishment by exposing wrongdoing. The letter states, “Truth and integrity must not be penalised but protected.”
Political Context
This surge in calls for integrity follows the election of Nicuşor Dan, a former anti-corruption activist, as president in May. He won the election using the slogan “Honest Romania.” In response to the open letter from judges and prosecutors, President Dan has invited them to an “open-ended discussion” on judicial reform.
Romania, like many nations, faces challenges in both defining and measuring corruption, even with existing legal and institutional reforms. The United Nations recently held its second global conference on corruption measurement in early December, recognizing that effective measurement is “a foundation for building integrity systems that rely on evidence,” according to U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Marcos Neto.
The Index of Public Integrity is one newer method for assessing corruption, focusing on three key pillars: an independent judiciary, a free press, and digitally empowered citizens. The current protests demonstrate that Romanians view appeals to integrity as more than just the absence of corruption, but as an active invitation to participate in a corruption-free society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the current protests in Romania?
The protests were sparked by a media report alleging that some judges may have helped officials avoid corruption trials.
What is the significance of the open letter signed by judges and prosecutors?
The letter supports whistleblowers within the judicial system and asserts that “Truth and integrity must not be penalised but protected.”
What is the role of the Index of Public Integrity?
The Index of Public Integrity focuses attention on three pillars that help embed trust in government: an independent judiciary, a free press, and digitally empowered citizens.
Will the current momentum for judicial reform translate into lasting change in Romania remains to be seen, but a continued dialogue between the president, the judiciary, and the public could be a possible next step. Further protests or increased scrutiny of judicial proceedings are also likely possibilities.
