President Klaus Iohannis has announced he will strip former PM Adrian Nastase and all convicted criminals of the state medals previously granted by his predecessors. His move comes after the former PSD PM Adrian Nastase, who served prison time in a corruption file, had been seen attending the reception held at Cotroceni Palace on Romania’s National Day, which stirred a lot of criticism across the public opinion.
Following criticism, the Presidential Administration explained that Nastase had been invited based on the fact he had been awarded the Star of Romania, Grand Cross rank in 2002 and the law says that all those who have such a distinction are invited at the receptions on December 1.
On the other hand, the law also allows that a decoration could be cancelled, withdrawn if the beneficiary has been sentenced to prison.
Asked if he is considering to strip Adrian Nastase of his medal, President Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday: “Yes. I decided to withdraw all decorations from all those who have been criminally convicted. I have just kicked off this procedure and it will be concluded soon, you’ll get the list of thee decrees on the withdrawals.”