Romania Approves Part of Controversial Judicial Bill
- Changes seen curbing prosecutorial powers in graft probes
- Opposition, prosecutors will challenge changes at top court
The Romanian parliament building in Bucharest, Romania.
Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
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Romania’s parliament approved part of a controversial judicial-reform package that’s been criticized as another attempt by the ruling coalition to weaken punishment for convicted officials.
Lawmakers voted 175-78 in favor of the changes to the code of criminal procedure, according to Deputy Speaker Gabriel Vlase. One amendment may allow Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea to appeal a conviction for vote-rigging. President Klaus Iohannis, who’s frequently fallen out with the government, must still sign off on the bill before it takes effect. He said he’ll probably challenge them to “correct this situation.”