[ Ссылка ] Euronews reporter Hans von der Brelie interviewed Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta during a political crisis: the centre-left government wants to oust the country's Conservative president, Traian Basescu, saying he has overstepped his powers. Meanwhile Brussels is concerned about justice within the government's power battle with the president.
The conflict could have far-reaching consequences. Alongside Bulgaria, corruption-ridden Romania wants to join the Schengen Zone, a step which could be postponed. Just a few days ahead of the impeachment referendum, the European Commission prolonged its monitoring of Romania's legal and justice system and its fight against corruption.
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "Is Romania still a democracy?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "Definitely it is. And it is a part of the European Union. It shares the same values and I am convinced that we will prove this to all our friends and partners in Europe."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "During recent weeks you have issued more than 40 urgent decrees. Is Romania at war?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "No, I would not say at war. It is in the middle of a political conflict. We lack the tradition of dialogue between political forces. We did not suceed in solving our differences, which could have let to avoiding this political conflict."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "This fight between the President and you is harming Romania. Maybe there will be a postponement of membership of the Schengen Zone, due to this?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "That would be a pity because we have accomplished - and here President Basescu and myself we completly agree - we have accomplished all the technical requirements and the standards, to be a very strong and effective border of the European Union. That would be a pity that Romania and maybe Bulgaria would be politically punished when we have accomplished all the standards (of the EU) to be a Schengen member."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "The European Commission will issue a follow-up report on Romania later this year. What is your strong message for Brussels?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "The strongest message is that out of eleven concerning points put forward by European Commission President Barroso, we have already solved seven or eight in one week. So we will solve the rest of them and we will prove that we got the strong message from the European Commission, we positivly reacted to it, and we are ready to put all things back on track."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "Washington and Brussels: both are deeply concerned. Do you still respect the constitutional court and its decisions?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "Completely. And fully. The Parliament also reacted very positivly and put all the decisions of the consitutional court into action. Everything it is going to be the way the constitutional court has decided. Even the popular referendum with a quorum (50% participation), and also all other actions taken by the Parliament and by the government are going to fully respect and implement the constitutional court decisions."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "What is the reason that you are attacking the President? Why do you want to get rid of the President?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "I would answer very simply because 80% of the Romanian population want to get rid of the President. But that would not be a political answer. The real problem is the complete differences between our political agendas. President Basescu has assumed a different political agenda, not only austerity, but he even protected his own party, and he politised all State institutions. We got a huge public support for us during the last local elections, on 10th June, with a different political agenda, which is budgetary discipline. We are applying all the agreements with the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, but also to some growth and job solutions, which I think is the new European trend."
Hans von der Brelie Euronews: "Earlier this year Romania saw huge mass manifestations and we got the impression that the people are fed up with austerity. Is it getting too much, maybe? Do you really stick to this austerity deal with the International Monetary Fund?"
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta: "Absolutely we do. Yes, we will stick 100% with the agreements with the IMF and the European Commission. This is a fait accompli."
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