President Iohannis on Antena TVs eviction: Tax authority approach "at least inappropriate

President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday qualified as "gung-ho" and "inappropriate" the approach of National Tax Administration Agency (ANAF) to the case of the Antena Group televisions. 

"I believe you have reached an unpleasant, useless situation. Firstly, I believe the freedom of expression in media cannot be suppressed for banal administrative reasons. Secondly, this gung-ho approach of the ANAF - I find it at least inappropriate, if not questionable," Iohannis answered questions on ANAF's action towards the Antena Group televisions. 

He mentioned he has learned from some talks that the decision-makers in this case show openness. 

"Certainly, through tranquil and calm discussions, convenient solutions will be found eventually," the head of state concluded. 

Private TVs of the Antena Group got a five-day eviction notice on Monday from the Bucharest Public Finances Regional General Directorate of the ANAF. Tax authorities are thus attempting to enforce a court sentence of 2013, confirmed on an appeal in 2014, against Dan Voiculescu, a former senator and owner of the two TV stations, convicted to a 10-year prison term in a case of fraudulent privatization of a research institute. The sentence included the confiscation of Voiculescu's real estate to cover his share of prejudices of 60 million euros.