Romanian Minister Calls Meeting Between PM and Court Chief 'Unfortunate Coincidence'

Romanian interim Economy Minister Irineu Darău has characterized a recent meeting between interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Constitutional Court President Simina Tănăsescu as an "unfortunate coincidence," downplaying suggestions of secrecy. Darău asserted that clandestine meetings are not feasible within the Parliament building, implying the encounter was not intentionally hidden.

“

I believe it was an unfortunate coincidence. On the other hand, one must note one thing and it is factual. It was not a hidden meeting; I understand that the press passed by.

"I believe it was an unfortunate coincidence. On the other hand, one thing must be noted and it is factual. It was not a hidden meeting; I understand that the press passed by," Darău stated, adding that while the situation could have been managed better, he doesn't believe such meetings can occur secretly in Parliament. "If someone wanted to meet in secret, they would do it differently," he added.

The meeting, reportedly held in the office of Senate President Mircea Abrudean, fueled speculation, particularly concerning discussions about the integrity law, which had been contested. Both the Constitutional Court and the High Court of Cassation and Justice issued statements requesting immediate clarification of the circumstances surrounding the meeting.

“

Maybe the situation was not managed perfectly, but I don't think in the Parliament building, from my own experience, you can hide any meeting. So I think if someone wanted to meet in secret, they would do it differently.

Simina Tănăsescu firmly denied any discussion of ongoing court cases outside the legal framework. The Constitutional Court later clarified that meetings between its president and executive officials are exclusively for organizational and administrative matters within legal limits. Prime Minister Bolojan also commented, suggesting the situation was being exaggerated, "Many times, people try to make a mountain out of a molehill. We are in such a case where this scheme is being attempted."

“

Many times, people try to make a mountain out of a molehill. We are in such a case where this scheme is being attempted.