Consultations on the organization of the elections for the European Parliament

Further to today's meeting with the parliamentary parties, Prime Minister Calin Popescu – Tariceanu has stated that the elections for Romania 's representatives in the European Parliament might be organized on May 13th, next year. “This is the date accepted by all participants in consultations”, Prime Minister has stated.

The Head of the Executive has showed that the precise date of elections will depend on the moment in which the Law on the organization of the elections for the European Parliament will be passed by the Parliament.

“ Romania organizes for the first time elections for the European Parliament. The topics of European interest are relatively little known for a good part of the Romanian electorate. An intense effort should be made to attract and draw the public opinion aware of the importance of these elections. Thus, we risk having a low rate of participation in the elections”, Prime Minister has stated.

Answering a question, Prime Minister has emphasized that the early elections related issue was not discussed on the meeting.

“In the European practice, the elections for the European Parliament do not overlap with the elections at national level, either for local administration, or Parliament so that national subjects would not prevail over the European subjects”, the Head of the Executive has stated.

Prime Minister has emphasized that he pleads for political stability and that the discussion about early elections is not useful for Romania . “Every citizen is interested in better living standards. You either govern for citizens or for you - those in power” Prime Minister has stated.

On the meeting with the leaders of the parliamentary groups, the Head of the Executive has informed about the main posts to be offered to Romania within the European structures and the way the selection and nomination of candidates is made. “I have presented the list of proposals for the Committee of Regions, that came from the Association of county councils presidents, mayors of towns, municipalities and communes”, Prime Minister has stated.

Government of Romania - Press office - 27.10.2006