"We have reconsidered the logic of sanctioning and have brought it back to normal, in line with the EU provisions in the field. The Romanian system of punishments has been quite harsh as of 1996, when extremely severe punishments were applied, without consideration for the protected social values. What this Code might bring new is a unitary interpretation of its provisions.’’

As regards the new Civil Code, its authors say it meets the need for change of the Romanian institutions and society and answers the EU requirements. NGOs have initially contested many of the two Codes’ stipulations and have harshly criticized the way the Government chose to impose ignoring the Parliament’s role as a forum for debates. Their stand is shared by the Liberals, who threatened to file a censure motion. Technically, the legal term for filing a censure motion is three days. However, there are no risks for the center Government to be dissolved, given that a 70% majority is required. Nevertheless, after the European elections and prior to the presidential elections this autumn, tensions between the two Government coalition partners - the Liberal Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party- have mounted. However, both parties depend on the resources offered by being in power, therefore the coalition is unlikely to break apart before the presidential election.