The crisis is putting Romanian society to the test

From the Constitutional Court's ruling on fines during the state of emergency to the crossing of political swords was just one step

Roxana Vasile, 08.05.2020, 14:02

In Romania, the current health crisis is overlapping a political one, which is by no means new. Lets briefly recall that, last autumn, the Social Democrats were ousted by means of a non-confidence motion and, if the Covid-19 pandemic had not occurred, Romania would have probably held, this spring, in addition to local elections, early parliamentary elections, which, according to president Iohannis, would have altered, we quote, “the toxic Social Democratic Parliament majority”.

For about two months now, the quasi-exclusive concern for combating the growing number of infections and deaths caused by the new coronavirus has silenced the political fighting. However, it has made a strong reappearance this week, following a decision, blamed by some, applauded by others, by the Constitutional Court of Romania, which has unanimously ruled that the fundamental human rights cannot be restricted by a decree, as it has happened during the current state of emergency, and also that the very large fines given over the same period do not comply with the fundamental law.

President Klaus Iohannis was surprised by the Courts ruling, saying that without those fines, the number of deaths would have been much higher:

“It is quite surprising that these sanctions have become questionable today, although it is quite obvious, to all of us, that they have been helpful in preventing the spread of the virus. What is also surprising is the position of some authorities that, by their mission or legal nature, have the constitutional obligation not to lose sight, when making decisions, of the general interest of society.”

The president has also pointed the finger at the Social Democratic Party, which, in his opinion, has had, quote, a “downright toxic” attitude in parliament and “has remained the same party, concerned only to save its barons”. The Social Democrats have counterattacked, saying that the head of the country has, quote, “dictatorial accents”, that “he must always be right” and that “he attacks fundamental state institutions”.

According to the Social Democratic Party, Marcel Ciolacu:

“The Government is no longer credible and it contracts no loans. Soon, it will run out of salary and pension money. Although Romanians are faced with the problems every day, Iohannis never speaks about a project to revive the economy. He only talks about the Social Democratic Party. For six months the National Liberal Party has governed the country, and the Social Democratic Party has been in opposition! So, stop blaming others! You have the power, so start governing and taking measures to benefit the Romanians!”.

What is clear is the current crisis is putting the entire Romanian society to the test. (M. Ignatescu)