UPDATE Dobrovolschi: There is no parallel state in Romania; it is an allegation of legally embattled

Presidential spokesperson Madalina Dobrovolschi said on Tuesday that there is no parallel state in Romania, only an allegation made by the legally embattled, adding that society is the beneficiary of a sound system with independent justice and the rule of law. 

"The President of Romania, Mr Klaus Iohannis, wants an independent and powerful justice, because society is the beneficiary of an independent and powerful justice. (...) There is no parallel state in Romania, as this allegation is an invention of the legally embattled (...) A real beneficiary of a sound system when talking about the rule of law and independent justice can only be society; the society is the one that benefits when the rule of law works as it should and when there is an independent justice," Dobrovolschi told a news conference at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace. 

She added that had there been an official discussion between President Iohannis and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Liviu Dragnea that would have been on the public agenda. 

Dobrovolschi did not want to comment on Dragnea's statements on head of the Special Protection and Guard Service (SPP) head Lucian Pahontu. 

National leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Liviu Dragnea said Monday that, in his opinion, there is no member of the PSD leadership who does not have a "fabricated" court file, which, in his opinion, is to the political benefit of President Klaus Iohannis. 

"I do not think there is any PSD leader who does not have a fabricated file. I do not believe that anymore, I do not think there is such thing. It is terrible, isn't it? It's mind blowing. Likewise, I think the same about local leaders, although hopefully things are different ... Have you seen the case of [chairman of the Iasi County Council] Maricel Popa? (...) Forgive me, but as to me, I understand that I have to be executed, so that the party may get weaker and I may be punished," Dragnea told Romania TV private broadcaster. 

He accused the head of the SPP of trying to recruit PSD members, calling him the presidential postman on duty.

AGERPRES.