Parliament Leaders, PM and Justice Minister Hold Talks Following Solemn Meeting

The meeting began shortly after both chambers of the Parliament met for a solemn session marking 70 years since the formation of NATO and 15 since Romania’s accession to the alliance.

The officials might discuss a Justice Ministry draft which amends the country’s criminal codes and gives special appeal means for individuals convicted in Supreme Court decisions since 2014, as the Constitutional Court ruled that five-judge appeal panels were formed through erroneous procedure since that point.

Before the meeting, Toader said that he was not summoned by the prime minister or ruling coalition leaders to discuss the subject, and argued that the bill’s emergency stems from the need to implement past Constitutional Court decisions and EU directives into law.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis warned the government to abstain from passing any decrees amending judicial or penal legislation until after a May 26 referendum he called concerning the country’s justice system.