European Commission 'concerned' at Romanian political crisis
(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission expressed concern Friday at what it said appeared to be moves by the Romanian government to curb the powers of independent bodies.
The Commission's comments came after Romania's government voted to limit the power of the Constitutional Court and as deputies prepare to vote later Friday on a move to impeach the country's president.
"The Commission is concerned about current developments in Romania, especially regarding actions that appear to reduce the effective powers of independent institutions like the Constitutional Court," said a statement.
"The rule of law, the democratic checks and balances and the independence of the judiciary are cornerstones of the European democracy and indispensable for mutual trust within the European Union," it added.
"Government policy and political action must respect these principles and values."
Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso had spoken Friday with Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta to express their concerns, the statement said.
Ponta would be visiting Brussels next Thursday to discuss the situation, it added.
The Commission was already reviewing judicial reform and anti-corruption measures in Romania and was completing a report on the country's progress in these areas, the statement added.
"Recent developments may be putting at risk the progress made over the years," it warned.
Earlier Friday, Ponta issued a statement acknowledging international concerns at recent developments but insisting that the current political crisis would not threaten the rule of law in his country.
Romania's parliament is due to vote Friday on a motion put forward by Ponta's ruling Liberal Social Union (USL) coalition to impeach his political rival, President Traian Basescu.
Earlier this week, the cabinet approved a decree barring the Constitutional Court from ruling on parliamentary decisions, which would make it easier for it to impeach Basescu should the motion go through.
Germany issued a statement Friday in support of the Romanian constitutional court's independence and expressing concern at the political crisis.
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What follow now?
Now the Romanian Parliament and Government plan aims to create a seeming democracy and stability . In addition the government will bribe the population by creating a seeming well-being and will seem very concerned about the plans for the proper functioning of the country. Only after president removal the political power will pass actions which will violate the democracy by the judiciary independence destroying….