Romanian MPs urged to fight corruption

Date: 16/03/06

Romania's justice minister has voiced concern over the reluctance of members of the country's parliament to endorse anti-corruption measures required for EU membership.

Monica Macovei said there had been three "worrying events" in Romanian politics over the past few months and only one of these had been resolved. Despite initially rejecting a government ordinance for setting up the national anti-corruption department, the Bucharest parliament has subsequently approved this move.

The assembly has still not approved a law on allowing undercover agents to investigate civil servants suspected of accepting bribes. It has also refused to accept a prosecutor's request to search properties owned by former premier Adrian Nastase, who stepped down as leader of the opposition Social Democrats pending the outcome of a probe into how he amassed his wealth.

"These three events have raised questions about Romania's willingness to fight corruption," Macovei told European Voice. "But all political parties in the parliament have stated publicly that they are committed to this fight."

Franco Frattini, the European commissioner for justice, freedom and security, said during a visit to Bucharest this week that it would be "a disaster for Romania" if Macovei did not receive political support for her efforts against corruption.

Macovei acknowledged that several measures needed for EU membership had to be introduced, including rules on financing political parties.

"We really have made huge progress," she added. "But we still have things to do. I am sure the will of the majority in parliament will be determined by the pressure of public opinion."

The European Commission is to publish a report in May on Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria's readiness for EU entry.

Both countries are hoping they can accede to the EU at the beginning of next year. But a 'safeguard clause' delaying accession for a further twelve months can be triggered if their preparations are found wanting.

Frattini said on Monday (13 March) that he believed the progress in Romania's preparations was such that "we won't talk of red flags in the May report". He nonetheless stated that "it would be totally insane to play with the future of the country, with its accession" to the Union by stalling on further reforms.

Comments by Monica Macovei, Romania's Minister for Justice, who voiced concern over the reluctance of members of the country's parliament to endorse anti-corruption measures required for EU membership.