Romanian minister answers Commissioner Reding: independence of Romanian telecom regulator is not affected

Romanian Communications minister Karoly Borbely answered on Friday to a request from European Commissioner Viviane Reding to explain the reasons behind the recent restructuring of the main body regulating the telecom market in Romania, ANRCTI, and the dismissal of its head. In his letter, Borbely says the decision to reorganize the institution was a correct one, as there was a need to expand its attributions.

On the dismissal of ANRCTI head Dan Georgescu, the minister shows that the independence of the institution was not equal to a lack of administrative responsibilities which was found there. The letter suggests Georgescu’s dismissal was caused by the improper management of funds and administrative positions.

Commissioner Reding last Friday threatened legal measures in case the independence of the telecom regulator in Romania is not maintained.