Romanian anti-corruption chief reinstated
(BUCHAREST) - Romanian Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu announced Friday he would reinstate the head of the national anti-corruption directorate, Daniel Morar, whose ouster was opposed by the European Union.
"This proposal is meant as a clear message to the international community that Romania's justice system is determined to fight corruption and defend the European Union's financial interests," Predoiu told a press conference.
The minister had announced in August that Morar, 42, would be replaced as chief of the directorate (DNA).
Several politicians had accused the tough anti-corruption chief of being too close to President Traian Basescu.
His dismissal had prompted criticism from Brussels, which considers Morar a guarantor of efforts to fight corruption, and the government postponed the nomination of the next DNA chief until after November elections.
Morar was nominated in 2005 to head the DNA by former justice minister Monica Macovei, generally seen as the architect of Romania's judicial reforms.
Under his leadership, the DNA launched investigations against eight former or current ministers, including former prime minister Adrian Nastase.
Deputies however blocked these investigations ahead of the November elections, prompting criticism from Basescu and the European Commission.
Text and Picture Copyright 2009 AFP. All other Copyright 2009 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.
