Politics, constitution and administrative structure of Romania

Romania is a parliamentary-presidential republic in which a democratic regime reigns. The state system is based on the Constitution of Romania, which was signed in the year 1991. It is the Constitution that makes provision for the republican form of government in Romania. The head of state is the President. However, his rights are significantly inferior to those of parliamentary officials. The duties of the President of Romania include the representation of the country in the international arena, the regulation of conflict situations within the country, the resolution of foreign policy issues. The President is the guarantor of the unity and integrity of the nation, as well as the territorial borders of the country. He is the supreme commander of the armed forces of Romania, and is obliged to work closely with parliament.

The term of office of the President is 5 years. He is obliged to appoint a deputy to the post of Prime Minister, as well as to form the cabinet itself. If the lists of candidates do not suit the President more than twice in a row, then he may well dissolve the parliament and appoint a date for the next special elections. The President of the country, after discussing the issue with parliament, has the right to conduct a national referendum in his own country regarding conflicts that affect the national interests of citizens. The President also performs all standard functions for this post, particularly; being present at all official events, state ceremonies, and presenting awards, as well as awarding the highest military ranks. He as has the right to grant amnesty.

The main branch of the legislative power is the parliament, which has a bicameral structure. The upper chamber is called the Senate, and the lower chamber is called the Chamber of Deputies. Officials in both chambers get to their post for a period of 4 years by direct elections. The joint work of the two chambers of parliament is aimed at solving particularly important problems. For example, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate come together to approve the state budget, declare war, and also to discuss the most severe problems that take place in the country. The responsibilities of the executive branch are shared by the deputies of the Government together with the President. Its leader is the Prime Minister. In order for any bill to be passed at the government level, it is necessary to collect 1/3 of votes from each chamber. However, recently bills are passed with the majority of votes of those present. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The formation of the parliament takes place in accordance with the party lists. In order for the electoral bloc to go to parliament, it needs to receive at least 8% of votes. Representatives of a political party or assembly get into parliament when they receive at least 5% of the vote. Administrative and territorial division of Romania territory is based on the principle of autonomy. Residents choose councils in small territorial structures, such as communes or villages. At the regional level, High Councils are convened, and their prefects are elected personally by the government. At the same time, the prefect is considered to be an official representative of the Government at the local level and is ready for an open dialogue between government authorities and local residents.

Today, the country’s Constitution makes provision for a multi-party system, thanks to which more than 40 separate political structures are functioning successfully. Most often, the PSD Party, the Democratic Party, Democratic union of Hungarians Party, the National Liberal Party, and also the “Greater Romania Party” overcome the electoral barrier. In addition, the country has a large number of different industrial councils and trade unions. According to the country’s Constitution, Romania has an independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court. Today, domestic policy is based solely on the principles of granting rights and freedom to citizens, regardless of their nationality, religious conviction, or political affiliation. Discrimination based on any of these grounds is strictly punishable by the judiciary.

Foreign policy principles correspond to the basic democratic norms. Romania adheres to the principles of good neighborliness and complies with international law. After the signing of the agreement between Romania and the European Union 22 years ago, all the country’s main political decisions has been precisely in accordance with the EU policy. The maintenance of the army in the country takes about 2.3% of GDP. The Universal military duty was abolished 10 years ago. The troop strength exceeds 71 thousand troops. At the same time, not less than 80 thousand troops are in reserve. Land force is the highest armed force. Air Force ranks second, and the Navy ranks third.