Gunther Krichbaum: I support Predoiu in Bucharest, as expression of Mrs. Merkel’s wish

The Chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundenstag, Gunther Krichbaum, said on Thursday that he supports Catalin Predoiu (PNL candidate – our note) for the Bucharest City Hall, saying that his support is “the expression of CDU and Angela Merkel’s wish” and that Germany is interested in the fight against corruption.

“We know each other for years. Be sure what I am saying about Romania is the expression of the CDU group wishes and, to answer your question, is the expression of Mrs. Merkel’s wish,” Gunther Krichbaum said in Bucharest on Thursday.

Gunther Krichbaum said Predoiu is a guarantee for the rule of law, which is of high interest for German investors.

“Infrastructure development and the fight against corruption are absolutely necessary in order to attract new investments. German investors are interested in the rule of law. We know very well that Mr. Predoiu can guarantee it,” the official said. He added that news about the arrest of the suspended mayor of Bucharest Sorin Oprescu could be read in German newspapers as well.

“For German investors, do you believe it is an invitation the fact that they know they have to bring money, not by legal means, but by corruption?” Krichbaum asked.

He added that the Hexi Pharma case was part of the “long history of corruption in Romania.”

On the ‘Colectiv’ tragedy he said “corruption was twice as high, as the victims were treated in hospitals with nonconforming materials due to corruption.”