Magistrates in Belgium have written an open letter highlighting their opposition to the Federal Government's planned pension reforms.
The letter has garnered 444 signatures from the group of magistrate's colleagues, and is addressed to the so-called Arizona coalition government.
"The issue extends far beyond pension reforms and our remuneration," said Hanne Ollevier, a magistrate from East Flanders. "Being a magistrate requires a certain idealism, but it should not become volunteer work."
"These measures are merely the framework for our letter," she noted. "Our dissatisfaction is deeper and begins with work conditions. For instance, I have colleagues who are frequently forced to work from home because the toilets in their building are repeatedly overflowing and cannot be repaired. Such conditions are unfit for magistrates in a constitutional state."
Staff shortages
In addition, the judiciary has faced staffing shortages for decades. "The shortage is so severe that people continue to work even when sick, or refrain from taking parental leave to avoid overburdening their colleagues. As a result, cases are being dismissed that should be investigated."
Magistrates also lack benefits beyond their salary, with pensions serving as deferred pay. "If changes are made to pensions, motivating young people to become magistrates will be incredibly difficult," Ollevier explained. "Finding suitable candidates for highly specialised roles will be particularly challenging, especially as crime is becoming more specialised."
According to the authors of the letter and Ollevier, the independence of the judiciary is gradually being compromised. "I am uncertain whether political figures realise how dangerous the ongoing developments are," she said.
