Romania neutralises anti-corruption boss

The Romanian government is planning to send the head of its national anti-corruption directorate (DNA) to a sinecure position in Brussels, in a move described by the national press as an attempt by the authorities to rid themselves of an anti-corruption magistrate renowned for his integrity and independence.

Under the government’s plans, Daniel Morar would be sent to Brussels as a “liaison” official to the European Commission. But Morar, an iconic figure in the fight against corruption, has refused the job. 

The move is seen by the Romanian press as another attempt by the country’s political class to secure itself immunity from prosecution (EURACTIV 19/08/08). EU sources, quoted by the agency Newsin, said the establishment of the new post “does not answer any specific requirement” by the Commission. 

“It is surprising that after all these years of accession negotiations, Bucharest did not understand that what the European Commission needs is not public relations, but results [in the fight against corruption], and now more than ever before,” the source was quoted as saying. 

Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu expressed his regret over Morar’s refusal to accept the post. “Surprisingly, Mr. Morar answered within two hours, which I find bizarre,” said Tariceanu, quoted in the daily Financiarul. 

According to the prime minister, the holder of the proposed new governmental position will have to maintain dialogue with the EU executive regarding Romania’s justice-related commitments so that monitoring of the country’s judiciary can be lifted within a year. “This dialogue is necessary because efforts must be made to have monitoring removed in two semesters,” said Tariceanu. 

Bulgaria, which is in the same monitoring position as Romania, has no such liaison official, the Romanian press notes. Commentators also find it strange that Morar should liaise with Brussels given that he does not speak English or French. 

The agency Mediafax reported today (21 August) that the Ministry of Justice has introduced a motion to replace Morar, appointing Monica Serbanescu as the next DNA chief. 

Last month, the Commission accused Romania of dragging its feet in the fight against corruption, especially criticising senior officials. Nevertheless, while the EU executive’s report was rather generous to Romania, Bulgaria was stripped of EU funding amounting to several hundred million euros for failing to carry out judicial reform and fight corruption (EURACTIV 24/07/08). 

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