Romania's backlash to kleptocracy

Of all the central and eastern European countries to have joined the EU, Romania appears to still have the strongest ties with its communist past.

If transition went smoothly in countries like Slovenia, now a proud eurozone member and next year's holder of the EU presidency, Romania is again dominated by old-guard politicians from the former communist party, doing their best to scrap or water down the reforms started in the past two years.

With a suspended president and all refor...