Romanian PM Mulls Extending Def Min’s Justice Interim Term

The Romanian Constitution stipulates the prime minister may appoint an interim in a vacant position for 45 days. The Constitution, however, is not explicit on whether the interim may fill the position for one or several terms.

 

The cited sources said Tariceanu over the past few days has had several talks with former presidential adviser Renate Weber to convince her to take the helm of the Justice Ministry.

 

Interpreting the Constitution as allowing for a second interim term for Melescanu has already stirred controversy among the ruling Liberal Party. Some of the party’s leaders, including rejected justice minister candidate Norica Nicolai, disagreed with such a move, liberal sources told MEDIAFAX.

 

Melescanubecame interim justice minister on January15, and his term therefore expires on February 29.

 

Melescanu said Monday after a party meeting, when the issue of justice minister candidates was not raised, that possibilities remain open and the prime minister could either appoint a new minister, extend his interim term or appoint a new interim.