Romanian Social Democrats Want Constitution Amendments Limiting President’s Prerogatives

The president should not be involved in the procedure to appoint chief-prosecutors or in the activity of the High Council of Magistrates, Geoana said during a party debate on state reform. Currently, the head of state presides over the meetings of the High Council of Magistrates when he attends them.

The prime minister should be able to appoint and sack ministers without the president’s approval, Geoana added.

Geoana pointed out that the adoption of a simple motion in Parliament should also lead to the sacking of the minister targeted by the respective motion.

He added the law regulating the activity of the Constitutional Court and the appointment procedure for its judges should be amended.

Geoana expressed once again his support for the social democrats’ proposal to eliminate any form of immunity for dignitaries, except immunity for votes and political statements.

He said the Government should have a more restricted ground for issuing emergency ordinances.

He proposed that budget revisions be made only with the Parliament’s consent, and a new code for the transparency and liability of ministers be issued.

Geoana said there should be a clearer relationship between prime minister and president, as well as a state structure which should prevent blockage caused by disputes between them.

He added that another important question to be addressed in debates on amendments to the Constitution is whether the system allowing the president to appoint the prime minister is beneficial.

Nastase expressed his support for the restriction of prerogatives for the head of state and increasing the role of the Parliament. The president should not be involved in the government’s activity, and should not be the representative of the state in connection with the European Union, Nastase said. He also expressed his doubts concerning the uninominal system of voting, as political parties might lose some of their authority.

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