This has become ‘protocol week’ on The Semi-presidential One.

There is now a period of cohabitation in Romania and there are first signs of problems between the president, Traian Băsescu, and the prime minister, Victor Ponta.

The Southeast European Times is reporting that there is a dispute between the president and the PM as to who should represent Romania at the forthcoming European Council on June 28th.

Apparently, President Băsescu attended an informal EU summit last week, but PM Ponta is now threatening to reconvene parliament to determine who should represent Romania. It is not clear on what grounds parliament would decide. The issue may also go to the Constitutional Court. However, SETimes is reporting that Augustin Zegrean, the head of the Constitutional Court, has said that Băsescu should represent the country. Justice Zegrean was appointed by President Băsescu.

The dilemma is a classic one. Given the EU affects domestic policy, shouldn’t the PM attend? However, the EU is an international organisation and the president attends international meetings. So, shouldn’t the president attend?