Former PM Adrian Nastase's jail sentence for corruption caught the attention of international publication The Economist. The article, titled “Nastase Nailed,” hails the sentence as the first conviction for corruption of a post communist leader in Romania. The biggest scalp to date for Romania's National Anti-corruption Directorate ( DNA ) is possibly not, according to The Economist, the major breakthrough in the fight against corruption it seems.

The article claims that the protesters in downtown Bucharest see little difference in the levels of corruption now, compared to the 2000 – 2004 period Nastase spent in office. Political interference in the judicial system has been much criticized by the EU and Nastase has vowed to fight the decision. He dismisses the case as political harassment and claims current president Traian Basescu is in cahoots with the DNA, using it to eliminate political competition. The Economist article reads, “Mr Năstase's conviction is undeniably a boon for the besieged Mr Băsescu. The president has a reputation for seeking to bring corruption charges against his opponents."

Read The Economist article here.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com