We remain on the side of the Romanian people

“The people of Romania want a better future in their own country with integrity, transparency and justice. The Romanian Government has repeatedly ignored its people. We have serious concerns for the state of the rule of law in Romania which is meant to protect all Romanians equally.”

Speaking during the plenary debate on the rule of law in Romania, Esteban González Pons MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group and Chairman of its Working Group on Legal and Home Affairs, addressed the Romanian Prime Minister and insisted that she should never ignore the voices of her own people. González Pons also attacked the Social-Democrats and the Liberals who have also chosen to be accomplice and keep silent on the current situation in Romania.

Last August, Romanians hit the streets in a peaceful protest against the ruling coalition and the current government and its policies, only for it to turn violent following clashes between the riot police and the protestors. “We cannot understand the extreme reaction of the Romanian Government on that tragic day”, said González Pons.

The Romanian Government has made a number of attempts to diminish the independence of the judiciary, whilst clearly weakening the rule of law in the country. This is something which goes against European values and therefore the European Parliament is obliged to not only speak about these issues, but ensure that values such as the rule of law, democracy and judicial independence are safeguarded in all its Member States.

“Romanians fought against communism for their liberties. They tore down a tyranny and built a democracy”, said González Pons. “Such brave and noble efforts should not be undermined.”