Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader Sorin Grindeanu said on Monday that Justice Minister Radu Marinescu continues to have the party’s full support and that, should it be proven that he did not comply with the law when presenting his doctoral thesis, „the matter must be corrected.”

Grindeanu was asked on private broadcaster Romania TV whether the Social Democratic Party would replace the Justice Minister following the scandal in which he was accused of plagiarising his doctoral thesis, in order to „restore calm” within the governing coalition.

„We know very well what happened and why this attack exists. The scheme these gentlemen have been applying for years is transparent. This is something that was patented a long time ago. It is very clear what is being sought by removing Minister Marinescu. I will say this: if someone has not respected the law, they must pay. I trust what Radu Marinescu has stated – namely that he complied with the law in force at the time he defended his doctorate, some 20 years ago, if I am not mistaken. If he did not do so, then this is something that must be corrected. But I do not believe that is the case. I know that Radu Marinescu was valedictorian, an outstanding student. I am convinced he respected the law. There is a commission currently analysing this thesis. Until then, Radu Marinescu has the full support of the PSD, without any hesitation,” the PSD leader said on Romania TV.

In another context, Sorin Grindeanu stated that he is not negotiating with President Nicusor Dan over the appointment of chief prosecutors.

„I am not negotiating chief prosecutors, and I do not believe the President of Romania is doing so either. I know that these positions are filled through a competitive process. That process was launched, I believe, at the beginning of this month. This is not negotiable,” the PSD leader said.

Grindeanu also denied that he is interested in taking over as head of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI). AGERPRES