The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

EU applauds repeal of corruption decree

Romania has been rocked by weeks of anti-graft protests in the biggest demonstrations since the end of communism in 1989.

People protest in front of the government headquarters in Bucharest, against the controversial corruption decrees on February 12, 2017

"I really welcome the fact that emergency ordinance 13 has been repealed. That's a very good step," said European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans after talks with Romania's Prime Minster Sorin Grindeanu.

Grindeanu has remained defiant to the uproar and easily survived a confidence vote in parliament last week.

"We have reiterated our firm stance on our commitment to fight corruption," Grindeanu said after talks with commission officials.

ADVERTISEMENT

The embattled premier, who took office in December, withdrew the contentious decree on February 5, but protests have continued.

Grindeanu told reporters that new corruption legislation in Bucharest"would be debated in parliament involving all kinds of institutions, NGOs and parliament."

The demonstrators are calling for Grindeanu's left-leaning Social Democrat (PSD) government to stand down.

The decree, which sparked concern in Brussels and Washington, would have made abuse of power a crime punishable by jail only if the sums involved exceeded 200,000 lei (44,000 euros, $47,500).

Critics say that this would have exonerated the head of the PSD, Liviu Dragnea, who is currently on trial for alleged abuse of power.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since Romania joined the EU in 2007, Brussels has subjected Bucharest to a Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) review over corruption concerns.

"I strongly believe if that we stick to that roadmap we will be where we want to be: That the fight (against corruption) is so succesful that the situation is irreversible," Timmermans said, when asked about the review.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

President Ruto pens Easter message to Kenyans

President Ruto pens Easter message to Kenyans

NTSA suspends 2 popular PSV saccos with a fleet of over 200 vehicles

NTSA suspends 2 popular PSV saccos with a fleet of over 200 vehicles

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

ADVERTISEMENT