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BUCHAREST, Moldova (AP) — Romania's top magistrates' body has rejected proposals to change the law to make it harder to arrest lawmakers and decriminalize conflict of interest.
The Superior Magistrates' Council ruled Monday against the 22 proposals. The ruling is not binding, but Justice Minister Robert Cazanciuc said he would recommend Parliament postpone a vote on the changes.
Romanian prosecutors have intensified their anti-corruption drive in recent months and some lawmakers believe prosecutors have too much power.
The changes proposed by the governing Social Democratic Party have been criticized because they would make it harder to fight top-level corruption.
On June 5, prosecutors said Premier Victor Ponta was suspected of money laundering, forgery, tax evasion and conflict of interest. Last week, he survived a no-confidence vote and a bid to lift his immunity failed.
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