Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
In the light of recent developments in Romania and the pressure by the European People's Party (EPP) against the Romanian Government, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament stress the need for an objective approach. The S&D Group believes that in this moment in time it is crucial for the Commission to be able to evaluate the developments and analyse whether any violation of EU laws can be detected or not.
In this context Hannes Swoboda, S&D Group President, said:
"The EPP Parliamentarians should come back to objectivity and reason. Processes and legal procedures foreseen in the Romanian Constitution have to be accepted. It is the people of Romania who will have to decide if they reject the Parliament's decision and want to keep the President or not.
"It is in interesting to note that President Basescu who through many years was not ready to contribute to the cohesion of the political system and consensus among the political parties, is now crying "foul" and with him many of his European party friends. He would have had the ample opportunity to be an impartial political leader."
With regard to the independence of the Romanian judiciary system, Hannes Swoboda stressed:
"I welcome the statement by Prime-Minister Victor Ponta that he fully accepts and respects the independence of the judiciary.
"It is now up to the European Commission to look into the realities and Romanian laws and analyse if European law and values have been violated. If this was the case, Romania must correct these measures".
He confirmed the strong stance of Socialists and Democrats when it comes to defending European laws and values:
"The Socialists and Democrats would never accept any violations of EU laws in Romania and in any other country belonging to the EU. This is the difference to all those who now raise their voice and were so silent about violations in Hungary.
"It is crucial for all political groups to stick to the same principles when it comes to defending European laws and values. These must be applied irrespective of the country and the party".
Hannes Swoboda concluded by calling for an objective approach on Romania:
"Let the European Commission do their objective work and let us refrain from party political tactics".
S&D Press contact: Utta Tuttlies
Head of Press and Communications
Spokesperson of the Group Leader
+ 32 2 284 37 44
+ 33 3 88 17 29 98
+ 32 473 85 34 07
Contact
SWOBODA Johannes (Hannes)
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
Associated media
Hannes Swoboda 2012
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