Romania must back Tariceanu on reform: says Graham Watson MEP

9.47.34am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 12th Jul 2005

The Romanian Constitutional Court, dominated by members of the former regime, has blocked some of the reforms of the judiciary which are necessary for Romania to meet the requirements of EU membership. The Liberal Prime Minister, Calin Popescu Tariceanu, has indicated his intention to dissolve the Government next week and force fresh elections to confirm the will of the Romanian population to stay on track to EU membership as planned.

Graham Watson, leader of the Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament reacted to the news:

"Prime Minister Tariceanu has made a bold move in seeking to dissolve the Parliament and precipitating fresh elections for a new mandate and strengthened support for his policy of alignment with EU standards in the field of Justice and anti-corruption legislation."

"The obscurantism of the Constitutional Court has left him no choice if Romania is to join the EU on schedule as the reforms are essential to avoid the risk of the accession date being postponed."

"I hope the Romanian parliament and wider public will understand the imperatives of backing a reformist government and sticking to Romania's accession commitments in order for the country to move forward."