Romanian Party Accuses Parties of Blocking Whistleblower Protections

Romania's Save the Union (USR) party has strongly condemned a recent Senate vote that blocked the expansion of legal protections for whistleblowers within the justice system. The rejected initiative would have included judges and prosecutors under the scope of Law 361/2022, which safeguards individuals reporting misconduct. USR asserts that the Social Democratic Party (PSD), in conjunction with parties they label as "pro-Russian extremist," voted against the measure, thereby hindering mechanisms for reporting irregularities within the judicial sector. Simona Spătaru, a USR senator and vice-president of the Legal Committee, warned that the vote's outcome will discourage reporting of abuses from within the system. "A system where even those inside are not protected when they report irregularities sends a negative message to society: that transparency and responsibility are not fully embraced," she stated, according to News.ro. Spătaru highlighted that a High Court of Cassation and Justice decision (No. 182/2024) had already confirmed that magistrates lack explicit legal protection because the law does not mention them directly. USR contends that the lack of legislative clarity creates a "dangerous legal ambiguity" and contradicts European recommendations. The party pointed out that both GRECO (the Group of States against Corruption) and the European Commission advocate for whistleblower protection across all public sectors without exception. According to USR, rejecting this project risks leaving Romania behind European standards and damaging public trust in the justice system. The party reiterated its commitment to combating corruption, noting it has submitted a package of 12 legislative projects to strengthen anti-corruption efforts. This push comes amid recent media reports detailing attempts to capture the judicial system by influential groups.

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senators of the new coalition between PSD and pro-Russian extremist parties sent another signal today that they act in unison, to protect the corrupt and the system of privileges.