Ska Keller: what happens in Romania is worrying/ Three reasons behind the Green Group’s request for a debate on the rule of law in Romania in the European Parliament

The European Greens group has recently requested a debate in the European Parliament concerning the state of the rule of law in Romania. Ska Keller, co-president of the Group in the European Parliament, outlined the three main reasons behind this initiative: Laura Codruta Kovesi’s dismissal from her position as Head of the National Anticorruption Agency – despite the negative opinion sent by the Superior Council of Magistracy – the modifications brought to the Penal Code, and the violence exercised on August 10, 2018.

Furthermore, Keller stresses the need for the creation of a commission to monitor the evolution of the rule of law in Romania; from her point of view the European Commission should promptly initiate an inquest on this subject.

Rep: What are the reasons for your political group intends to bring into discussion next week in the plenary session of the EU Parliament the Romania’s political situation?

Ska Keller: The situation in Romania is really worrying. We are deeply worried by the recent initiative by the Minister of Justice to dismiss the National Anti-Corruption Directorate chief prosecutor despite the negative opinion of the Superior Council of Magistracy.

We are also concerned with regards to the current reform of the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. The fight against corruption is an important pillar in maintaining and improving the rule of law in Romania. It should be upheld not curbed.

The use of violence by the Romanian police against peaceful protestors during summer was unacceptable. We Greens stand with all those Romanians inside the country and coming from the diaspora who fight for democracy and against corruption.

Rep: Will you support/ propose a monitoring comission regarding the rule of law situation in Romania?

Ska Keller: The Commission should monitor the situation very closely and assess if Romania complies with the rule of law. Romania needs to ensure the quality of the legislative process and compliance with fundamental norms.

Rep: What the arguments would be? Romania’s justice system is already monitored along with Bulgaria in CVM (Control and Verification Mechanism). What would be the role of a new monitoring comission?

Ska Keller: The CVM has been created to measure progress. But here we are dealing with the opposite. An immediate investigation by the Commission is therefore necessary.

In the first week of October 2018 the European Parliament will convene in a plenary session to debate the situation of the rule of law in Romania. In addition to this, Siegfried Muresan, PPE spokesperson has announced on Thursday that the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will have a debate on the same subject with Frans Timmermans, EU First Vice-President.

(Traducere realizată de Ruxandra Stoicescu)