Romania: President fires anti-corruption prosecutor July 9

Event

On Monday, July 9, the office of President Klaus Iohannis announced that chief anti-corruption prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi was fired. President Iohannis signed the decree for her termination after a Constitutional Court ordered her to be removed from her post amid allegations of incompetence. Protests in support of Kovesi are likely in the coming days, particularly in Bucharest. Heightened security measures and consequent transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of any protests.

Context

Kovesi was the head of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) for the past five years. In February 2018, Justice Minister Tudorel Toader accused her of overstepping her authority and demanded that she be removed from her position. Thousands of people took to the streets in support of Kovesi. President Iohannis resisted the pressure to fire her, but in late May the Constitutional Court ruled that the president cannot overrule a legal request from the justice minister.

Opposition protests against corruption are commonplace in Romania, which has the highest level of perceived corruption in the EU. Demonstrations have occurred regularly since December 2017, including protests in February in which at least half a million Romanians took to the streets.

Advice

Individuals in Romania, particularly in Bucharest, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Anticipate transportation disruptions near protest areas.