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Ponta: I sent Rosia Montana bill to Parliament to avoid being sued
Premier Victor Ponta declared on Thursday that the Executive had approved the Rosia Montana bill and sent it to Parliament. In that case the government cannot be sued by Gold Corporation for compensations because nothing has been done.Ponta made that statement at the end of his visit to Calarasi county.“It was my duty, according to law, to try to explain to people who want to hear me that according to the present law I had to approve for the project to start. They have fulfilled all conditions required by the law. Because I considered it was not right for me to do that I sent the law to Parliament for a real debate. If I did nothing I had to pay billions as compensation for that company. I don’t want to pay from the tax payers’ money compensations for contracts concluded since 1998. I want a Parliament decision,” Ponta said.
Asked by journalists what would happen in case the bill was rejected by Parliament, the premier said the government was absolved of any responsibility in that case.“The government cannot be sued. Contrary to what Boc did I renegotiated, I presented it to the government and to public discussion,” Ponta pointed out.At the same time he added that each MP can vote after analyzing arguments for and against.
The premier also pointed out the fact that the bill had received all approvals, including those from Justice and Environment. He dismissed media allegations that the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Justice have given a negative opinion on the project. 'No, they gave positive opinions,' the Premier specified.
PM Ponta agrees with nominal voting on Rosia Montana bill
Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Thursday said he agrees with the proposal made by Liberal leader Crin Antonescu, that the MPs should have their say by nominal vote on the Rosia Montana bill.
'I totally agree, but before we get to voting, the people - both the protesters and those who stayed at home - called for a debate. I believe that the debate is absolutely necessary and I think all those with pros and cons need to present their arguments to the dedicated panel,' said Ponta.
He added that there has been foot-dragging for years in both the Rosia Montana and the stray dogs issue.
'I think I had the courage to take the related criticism and table to Parliament the situation with the good and the drawbacks, and both the project's opponents and backers must now report to the panel, and I am convinced that their opinion will influence the vote in Parliament,' added Victor Ponta.
The head of the government said that it is the responsibility of Parliament to examine all points of view and take a decision 'on an informed basis.' Ponta also said.