On the other hand, the president’s active role on the Romanian political scene cannot be regarded as a violation of the Constitution.
The president has the right to express opinions and political options, to make critical comments regarding the activity of public authorities, to propose reforms or measures in the nation’s best interest. The opinions, comments, choices or requests by the head of state have no legal effect, the Court highlighted.
On the other hand, the fact that the president publically assumed the initiation of economic and social measures, before they were adopted by the Government, may be regarded as an attempt to diminish the role of the prime minister, said the Court.
Romania’s ruling Social Liberal Union has started procedures to impeach Basescu, accusing him of having systematically violated principles regarding the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.
The Court said the head of state did not threaten the independence of the judiciary, adding that his critical comments did not prevent magistrates from exercising their duty.
The Parliament will convene Friday at 5 p.m. to debate and vote on the request to impeach Basescu. The standpoint of the Constitutional Court was needed in order to continue procedures.
Chamber of Deputies speaker Valeriu Zgonea said Friday he received the standpoint of the Court and impeachment procedures may continue. He highlighted the Court’s opinion is only consultative, not binding.