Top high-ranking Belgian judges have voiced concerns about the rule of law in Belgium at an unprecedented press conference on Friday.
They shared their concerns with the parties negotiating the formation of a new government, on issues such as funding for the judiciary and refusals to respect court decisions.
Belgium is facing a significant budget deficit and is at risk of an excessive deficit procedure from the EU.
Serious budgetary consolidation will need to be agreed upon by the negotiators.
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The Presidents, Auditor and Attorney General of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court and Council of State warned against budget cuts affecting the judiciary, and fear a weakening of the rule of law through lack of resources.
“We argue that alleged savings made by reducing the number of judges, or by not appointing all the judges provided for by law, will mathematically result in worsening the backlog in the courts… If linear savings, as in the past, are applied to the justice sector, citizens will face slower and less effective justice, to the detriment of social cohesion, the economy and the security of individuals and property,” Eric de Formanoir, President of the Supreme Court, said.
Despite these high-ranking judges requesting to meet with negotiator Bart De Wever, a positive response is yet to be received.
A small delegation was able to meet with the President of the Chamber and a meeting is scheduled with the CD&V party.
