Angela Merkel says suspension of Traian Băsescu "unacceptable"

Angela Merkel added her voice to the criticism on Romania's Parliament decision to impeach Traian Băsescu.  Following a telephone conversation with Traian Băsescu, her spokesman Steffen Seibert said that Merkel finds in "unacceptable when fundamental principles of the rule of law are violated in a European Union country."

"The German government observes with deep concern the actions of the Romanian government under Prime Minister Ponta. The process to remove President Basescu is unacceptable," German government spokesman Steffen Seibert told a news conference.

Seibert said the suspension of Basescu and the calling of a referendum took place in a way that "flouts the basic principles of the rule of law".

The government's actions undermine the independence and capacity of Romania's constitutional court, Seibert added.

"We expect the Romanian government to restore confidence in the country and in its constitutional process," he said.