In Romania hundreds of thousands of citizens keep marching every day against the changes of anti-corruption laws by the Romanian government of prime minister Sorin Grindeanu. This Tuesday social democrat Grindeanu has signed a decree that abuse of authority would only be prosecuted under penal law if the damage incurred would be higher than 45.000 Euros. During the last days up to 300.000 people participated in demonstrations.
The protests against the Romanian government are commented by MEP Sven Giegold, spokesperson of the German Greens and EP’s rapporteur on “transparency, integrity and accountability of EU institutions”:
“Socialist group leader Gianni Pitella may not look away if his Romanian comrades trample on the rule of law. If he his serious in defending European democracy and social justice, he may not shy away from criticizing the kleptocratic features of the Romanian social democrats.
Likewise the Party of European Socialist is key. The European Party must make clear that corruption deserves no quarter in a democracy.
The Romanian social democrats have crossed a red line. The new law is a public incentive for corruption. The Romanian citizens marching for the rule of law deserve our support. They are defending European values when they are demonstrating every evening. No member state may offend democracy.
The European Commission should act immediately and come forward with its deferred report on corruption in the member states and the EU institutions. The Dutch socialist and vice-president of the Commission Frans Timmermans is responsible to deliver the report immediately.“