Nicușor Dan: Between patriotism and illiberalism

Romanian President Nicușor Dan faces accusations of irresponsibility and a strategic maneuver to form a presidential government, reportedly with the support of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The aim, according to the report, is to isolate the far-right AUR party. However, critics suggest this strategy fails to recognize the underlying connections between AUR and PSD, potentially pushing the country towards illiberalism.

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The President accused the parties of a lack of responsibility and wants to form a presidential government with PSD support in the hope that he can isolate AUR, not understanding that there are (un)seen links between the radicals and PSD.

The article points to a concerning trend where democracy appears to function only in its electoral aspect, while society risks closing off. The justice system is described as becoming subservient to power, allegedly harassing those who dare to criticize. This environment is exacerbated by the recent publication of a "black list" by the judges' section of the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM).

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Democracy functions only in its elective part, but society tends to close itself off, justice is placed at the disposal of power and begins to harass those who allow themselves to criticize.

This list names journalists, politicians, and NGO representatives who have spoken out against the lack of reform in the justice system, the unprofessionalism of certain chief prosecutors appointed with President Dan's backing, and what is described as a "sickly symbiosis" between the judiciary and politicians. President Dan has remained silent on this list, which evokes a "communist chill" where dissenters are labeled enemies of the people and face indirect threats regarding their legal standing.

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The Black List of the CSM Judges' Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy has just published a black list with journalists, politicians, representatives of non-governmental organizations who have written and spoken about the non-reform of justice...

The CSM claims the list reflects the agreement of 3,580 judges nationwide. However, the article questions whether this reflects genuine agreement or fear, particularly referencing Lia Savonea, president of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, as potentially being behind the initiative. The piece draws parallels to similar "black lists" circulated during the 2024 and 2025 election periods by figures associated with extremist groups, noting the overlap in names. The author links this trend to illiberalism, citing former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's strategy of subordinating the judiciary and marginalizing critics to maintain power.

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Perhaps some of them agree with this way of working of autocracies and dictatorships, others perhaps are just afraid to contradict Lia Savonea, the president of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, who is behind the idea of transforming the good into the bad and vice versa.