Romania’s Defense Min Might Be Appointed Interim Justice Minister

The sources said liberal members are to meet on Monday and Tuesday to choose a replacement for Chiuariu.

The initial names that came up regarding the position were those of senator Norica Nicolai, MEP Renate Weber and Victor Alistar, president of Transparency International Romania.

Liberal vice-president Ludovic Orban said that Senator Nicolai has the greatest chances to replace Chiuariu.

Justice minister Chiuariu announced his resignation Sunday in a press conference, adding he would come back to continue reforms in the country’s legal system when “ridiculous attacks against him” cease.

Chiuariu said he thinks he did nothing wrong and that he refuses to be part of the president’s masquerade.

The president on Friday urged for the dismissal of the justice minister, who is under criminal investigation.

Last week, Chiuariu told the prime minister he is considering resignation, following the parliament’s failure to enact the ordinance amending the law on the National Integrity Agency, which was set up to screen politicians’ wealth in a move to crack down top-level corruption.