Romanian Democrat Liberals Challenge Education Min Over Education Code

"The education code developed by minister Andronescu and presented to the Government is beyond the governing agenda and disregards the fundamental provisions included in the national pact on education. Moreover, the governing agenda on education states very clearly that the Pact on education (developed by the presidential committee) will be observed," Barbu said.

Barbu added there have been multiple talks in Government when Prime Minister Emil Boc gave Andronescu various deadlines to present a stance and written observations, on the presidential committee’ law pack.

Asked if the democrat liberals feel responsibility should be taken for the Miclea Code (the code developed by the presidential committee), Barbu replied that responsibility should be taken for the presidential committee’s code, not for the one presented by minister Andronescu.

Barbu criticized Andronescu’s code saying it goes against students, teachers and parents.

"The Andronescu Code strengthens political control over the educational system, centralizes decision at the ministry, using the principle «the Ministry knows best»," Barbu said, adding Andronescu removes local authorities from the decision making chain.

Education minister Ecaterina Andronescu said she does not want education to become “a political stake”.

The dignitary added she will not respond to Barbu’s statements because she does not wish to get involved in “political issues”.

Andronescu said the new education code was developed with experts, representatives of unions, parents and students, and that the act compiles anything involved in education legislation, provides reform measures and is a coherent code that offers stability.

"I do not want education to become a political stake. We have developed this code together with experts, with the unions and with students. For the first time, the education code includes regulations on the statute of students. This is a law, like any other, and there is room for improvement," Andronescu said.

The minister added this code will be subject to public debate Friday, so that improvements can be made.

Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc announced Monday after the governing coalition meeting that the Government will take responsibility in Parliament for four laws, including the education laws, adding the social democrats did not have any “major objections” and talks will continue on the education laws.

Later, the social democratic leaders denied having agreed with the assumption of responsibility on these laws, but admitted that, if the public debate on the Education Code concludes before September 2, then they could resort to assuming responsibility.

 

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