Basescu vs. Tariceanu on Cioroianu's resignation

The President also attacked the activity of various diplomats and warned that he would change a number of ambassadors. Cioroianu "should have resigned within minutes" of his declarations to send Romanian criminals to Egypt, said Basescu Monday evening in a televised interview. The President also criticized the lack of interest manifested by Romanian institutions to the situation of Romanian workers abroad.

Stolojan demanded the Minister's resignation for his "racist" comments. "Such a person cannot represent Romania and Romanians abroad. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is not allowed to make collective judgments on a category of Romania’s citizens," said Stolojan.

Adrian Cioroianu made a public apology on Monday. "I regret and beg forgiveness of those I offended by this statement. […] This was not about any ethnic group or nationality in particular," he said.

Tariceanu defended Cioroianu yesterday, demanding that President Basescu be more self-contained with his advice, especially in light of his own history labeling Rroma, Armenians, and journalists.

Justice Minister Tudor Chiuariu announced that Romanian citizens living and working legally in Italy will be offered free legal advice if an expulsion order is released in their name.