Romanian President Appoints Melescanu Interim Justice Minister

Premier Calin Popescu Tariceanu nominated Melescanu as interim justice minister, after Basescu refused to accept Norica Nicolai’s candidacy.

Basescu firmly rejected Norica’s nomination, saying she does not meet the legal criteria for the position.

Basescu said Monday that he would never appoint Nicolai a justice minister, adding, however, that if the nomination is passed through Parliament, and the Legislative agrees, he will be forced to sign the appointment decree.

Nicolai announced last week that she would not give up on her nomination and said Basescu’s conduct is undignified for a man and abusive for a head of state.