A judge in Ghent yesterday sent all defendants home in protest against what he sees as the poor functioning of the Belgian justice system and the plans for judges’ pension reforms. As a result, their cases will not be heard until next year. Other public prosecutors are also taking action. In recent weeks Belgium’s judiciary and its politicians have been at loggerheads.
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Ghent judge sends all defendants home in protest against pension reforms and poor functioning of judiciary
Colin Clapson
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The trigger for the unhappiness among the judiciary is the plan to reform judges' pensions unveiled by the De Wever I government. Magistrates fear they will lose out on spending power.
Defendants in Ghent may now return to court on 28 April 2026. Some 15 cases are involved in all. 'Mainly these are smaller cases, including disputes about speeding tickets. There are no cases involving people who have inflicted personal suffering or harm' says Ghent court spokesman Catthoor.
The cases that had already been postponed once will be dealt with now. 'And the cases that have been postponed now will also be dealt with in time. There is no question of impunity.'
Lawyers, however, may be able to take advantage of this action to argue next year that the reasonable time limit has been exceeded.
'It is a symbolic action. The judge is denouncing working conditions,' says Catthoor. 'It’s about work pressure, infrastructure, staff shortages, safety and pension plans. This was the last straw. Within current resources, the judiciary can no longer give society what it needs.'
According to Catthoor, this is a signal from an individual judge. 'Magistrates are looking at what actions can still be taken. We sympathise with the defendants, their lawyers and their victims. This is not at all a pleasant situation, but we still hope for understanding.'
The spokesman won’t accept this is an abuse of power. 'On the contrary. This is a cry for help, it cannot go on like this. We are asking for help, for us to be given better resources.'