“I’m a private citizen,” Giuliani said, responding to a question about contradicting the State Department, which has welcomed the anti-corruption drive. The problem with this argument is that Giuliani certainly isn’t perceived in Romania as just a private U.S. citizen. In fact, the Trump lawyer’s letter is rapidly becoming a key weapon for Romanian officials who want to weaken the country’s anti-corruption authorities. Dragnea’s enthusiasm about Giuliani’s letter — addressed to Iohannis — might not be entirely unexpected for another reason: Dragnea himself is currently appealing a prison sentence for abuse of office. In Romania, the ruling party is now framing Giuliani’s remarks in a way that suggests the end of that unity.

Source: Washington Post August 30, 2018 11:33 UTC