Head of Romania's Judicial Council Denies Political Influence in Mayors' Cases

Liviu Odagiu, president of Romania's Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM), has dismissed claims that political motives influenced decisions concerning mayors Dominic Fritz and Ciprian Ciucu. Odagiu asserted that Romanian courts operate independently, adhering strictly to legal rules and safeguarding citizens' rights.

When questioned about the timing of decisions affecting Fritz, the mayor of Timișoara and USR leader, and Ciucu, the mayor of Bucharest, Odagiu declined to engage in political debate. He specifically refuted insinuations of political interference, stating, "I do not enter into such speculations." He noted that some cases are still ongoing, while one appears to be definitively resolved, acknowledging the significant political debate they have generated.

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I do not enter into such speculations. Two of the cases you referred to are, I believe, still pending. A third one seems to be definitively resolved. It seems to generate ample disagreements in the political environment. I do not wish to enter into such a controversy.

Odagiu emphasized that his role does not involve commenting on political controversies, reiterating that the judiciary's function is to apply the law. "The only thing I can state with certainty is that Romanian courts are profoundly European courts that, in their activity, apply exclusively the rules of law and that they resolve and guarantee citizens' rights and freedoms. The rest of the political speculations are not in my domain and I do not want to make any considerations," he stated.

The CSM president's comments come after Ciucu was placed under judicial control by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on suspicion of receiving undue benefits related to a real estate project. Simultaneously, the High Court of Cassation and Justice upheld a final decision against Fritz regarding an incompatibility report from the National Integrity Agency. Fritz announced his intention to appeal the High Court's decision to the European Court of Human Rights.

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The only thing I can state with certainty is that Romanian courts are profoundly European courts that, in their activity, apply exclusively the rules of law and that they resolve and guarantee citizens' rights and freedoms. The rest of the political speculations are not in my domain and I do not want to make any considerations.