The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) has come under intense scrutiny following its recent controversial decisions, including the annulment of the presidential elections held in November 2024. This unprecedented move has reignited public debate about the institution's role and the substantial benefits enjoyed by its judges, particularly in light of the stark economic reality faced by ordinary Romanians, where the average net income barely exceeds 5,000 lei.
According to Article 142 paragraph 1 of the Romanian Constitution, the CCR is designated as the "guarantor of the Constitution's supremacy," tasked with ensuring adherence to the rule of law and fundamental rights. Yet, the perception of this body has shifted drastically as many citizens question whether the judges, earning impressive salaries and bonuses, are truly deserving of their perks.
The CCR comprises nine judges appointed through political means: four by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), three by the Romanian Presidency under former President Klaus Iohannis, one by the National Liberal Party (PNL), and one by the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR). The current assembly features Marian Enache as president, alongside judges Livia Stanciu, Attila Varga, Simina Tănăsescu, Cristian Deliorga, Gheorghe Stan, Mihaela Ciochină, Laura-Iuliana Scântei, and Bogdan Licu.
Marian Enache's tenure as president began in 2022 and is set for six years. His gross monthly salary reaches 47,074 lei, not including various additional bonuses. Enache receives 11,769 lei as compensation for risk and neuropsychic overload (25% of the base salary), 2,354 lei for maintaining confidentiality (5%), 1,500 lei for hazardous working conditions, and 950 lei for holding a scientific doctorate. This effectively raises his total to approximately 63,647 lei monthly.
Judges of the CCR are similarly well-compensated, with their maximum gross monthly salary at 45,260 lei, alongside comparable bonuses: 11,315 lei for risk and neuropsychic overload, 2,263 lei for confidentiality, 1,500 lei for hazardous working conditions, and 950 lei for their scientific titles. These figures have sparked outrage as they appear excessive compared to the financial struggles faced by the general population.
It's not just judges at the CCR who enjoy lucrative salaries—administrative staff also receive commendable pay. For example, the Secretary General earns a gross monthly salary of 23,224 lei, supplemented by bonuses of 1,500 lei for hazardous working conditions and 950 lei for holding academic degrees.
The situation extends to other administrative roles. The Chief Magistrate Assistant earns 34,386 lei, with additional payments totaling 12,766 lei for risk, confidentiality, and working conditions benefits. Similarly, the Executive Assistant Magistrate receives 30,766 lei alongside their allowances.
Notably, drivers and other staff also have their working conditions factored, albeit at lower amounts. A driver, for example, draws 7,296 lei with bonuses of 952 lei for hazardous working conditions.
The public uproar stems from the clash between the comfortable salaries of CCR officials and the growing concerns about judicial privilege at the expense of taxpayers. Many Romanians are beginning to doubt the integrity of the system when judges purportedly work under pressure yet earn exorbitant salaries. The disparity is particularly glaring when Romanians struggle to make ends meet under current economic challenges, marked by rising costs of living and stagnation of salaries.
Critics argue this raises fundamental questions about accountability and accessibility within the Romanian judiciary. With judicial rulings significantly impacting political and electoral processes, skepticism surrounding the motivations and integrity of those who hold these powerful positions is intensifying.
The aftermath of the annulled elections has resulted not only in protests against the CCR but also calls for reform within the Romanian justice system. Many are advocating for more transparent processes, accountability measures, and clearer mechanisms for appointing judges—steps aimed at restoring faith among the populace.
While the CCR's decisions have always held substantial weight legally, the recent annulment has underscored the judiciary's sensitivity and proposed financial overhaul to reflect the realities of the citizens. Advocates argue this may be the opportunity to re-evaluate priorities, not only financially but also ethically within the justice system. The citizens are calling for fairness without the fear of corruption overtaking their rights, seeking reassurances from judges who should represent them.
Public sentiment has not only taken notice of the salaries but has come to challenge the status quo concerning how judges are compensated relative to their responsibilities. Only time will tell whether the scrutiny levied upon the CCR will induce changes within this powerful institution.