Political evolution of the Romanian presidency Cover Image

Ewolucja polityczna prezydentury w Rumunii
Political evolution of the Romanian presidency

Author(s): Andrzej Dubicki
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Government/Political systems
Published by: Temida 2
Keywords: Romania; presidency; political system

Summary/Abstract: In the Romanian political system the presidential office appeared for the first time in the year 1974, when Nicolae Ceauşescu finally consolidated his power and then created the uninominal office of the head of state. His power was very widely denominated to underline his real position – the leader of the party and of course of the state. After the Romanian revolution from December 1989, which ousted him and part of the communist party from power, the presidential office was maintained, but of course, only after necessary changes arising from the adoption of democratic principles had been implemented. After proclamation of the stable constitution from 1993, presidential powers were officially diminished but in reality the president still had the final word, e.g. during the process of creating the government. Until the amendment of the constitution in 2003, the president was undoubtedly considered as leader of the state, this resulting from the commonpresidential and parliamentary elections which were polled simultaneously. Due to the fact that the electoral campaign was common, it was almost natural that the president should be considered the stronger person in comparison to the prime minister. Also they were always from the same party. The aforementioned amendment of the constitution changed the situation. From 2004 the elections were held separately, thus leading to cohabitation between the president and the prime minister. This occurence led to the development of a cold war between thepolitical factions involved, who usually held entirely different views on relations of state. This became especially visible in 2009 and again between 2012 and 2015, even on two occasions leading, albeit unsuccessfully, to attempts at impeachment. Presently this conflict is at stalemate following the serious political crisis of November 2015. Romanian politics now awaits the local and parliamentary elections to be held in 2016.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 20/B
  • Page Range: 259-272
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: Polish