Csaba Sógor: The Romanian state fails to apply its own law
The EU should take a closer and more critical look at how the rule of law and the justice system function in Romania - said MEP Csaba Sógor in the European Parliament of Strasbourg, in the debate over the rule of law in Romania. The topic was also on the agenda of the extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Monday afternoon. First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans was also present.
RMDSZ MEP Csaba Sógor emphasized in the debate: there is no doubt that Romania has taken serious steps in the fight against corruption, which should definitely continue in the future. Although, the country cannot be judged only from this point of view. “Today, the Romanian state either fails to apply its own laws or applies it selectively or discriminatory. Besides it adopts decisions that lack sufficient legal basis”- emphasized the deputy from Transylvania, who sustained his statement with a number of examples. He explained that the restitution process after Romania’s accession to the EU has a discriminatory character and is being obstructed by the authorities themselves. In one high profile case, through a court ruling, the state even proceeded with the renationalisation of the Székely Mikó College building, which belongs to the Hungarian Reformed Church. Csaba Sógor recalled another case: according to the law on national education, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tîrgu Mureş should have had a Hungarian minority language section. However, for almost 10 years the state allowed the senate of the university to obstruct the law and forbid the foundation of this unit.
There are plenty of other cases where legislation is applied selectively, where rights, even including the right to fair trial, is not respected or where courts fine the public use of minority symbols. “These cases are undermining the authority of the state and the citizens’ confidence in the rule of law”- said the MEP.
