DNA's Kovesi: Simple CCR decision draws out of Romanian citizens' pockets 188 mil euro

"A simple decision of CCR [Constitutional Court of Romania - ed.n.] has drawn out of Romanians' pockets 188 million euro. Do we really want that such damages occur in the future and no one investigates them, because we amend the abuse of office? This is one question society should answer," Laura-Codruta Kovesi, Chief Prosecutor of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) asked on Tuesday evening during a debate on Justice laws, organised by the Group for Social Dialogue and "22" magazine.

The Chief Prosecutor reminded that both her colleagues and herself have felt for over a year and a half to be "under siege" as regards DNA's activity.

"I believe we are all aware of the gravity of the situation we are in. At least, we, as institution, both I and my colleagues, as well as institutionally, we react through the means and possibilities we have at hand. (...) We have all been feeling, for at least over a year and a half, that we are actually under siege, materialised in harassment, intimidations, attempt to intimidate, that they do not achieve their targets, through criticism that is sometimes objective, but most of the times not, through that fake news phenomenon and to which we can only react institutionally," Kovesi said.

Kovesi showed that the only thing DNA can do as institution is to make public statements and explain the effects of the law amendments.

"What can we do, institutionally? We cannot pass laws, but we can express points of view. We can analyse drafts, we can identify vulnerabilities, identify risks and explain, technically and less technically, what the consequences are. (...) We can set off alarm bells and speak up if the Romanian state wants DNA to investigate only petty deeds and adopt laws in this respect, yes....