Alleged Vaccine Scandal: DNA Seeks Legal Action Against Former Romanian Officials
In a significant development, Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) has petitioned Parliament and the Presidency for the initiation of a criminal investigation into the former Prime Minister Florin Cîțu and ex-Health Ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihăilă. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the purchase of over 52.8 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, exceeding the required quantity during the pandemic, with a total value exceeding one billion euros.
Key Points:
Excess Vaccine Procurement: Accusations of Financial Mismanagement Unfold
Accusations and Investigation: DNA has formally requested the prosecutor general to approach the President and the Senate for the approval to initiate criminal proceedings against the three individuals. The charges include severe abuse of office, with the criminal forms being authorship and complicity.
Financial Impact: Over 52 Million Doses Purchased, State Budget at Stake
Unprecedented Procurement: According to the prosecutors, the trio is accused of procuring 52,805,690 vaccine doses, valued at over 1.005 billion euros, beyond the quantities contractually necessary. This alleged excess has resulted in a considerable financial loss to the state budget.
Legal Struggle: Immunity Removal Sought for Former Prime Minister and Health Ministers
Legal Proceedings: The Senate’s approval is required for lifting the immunity of Florin Cîțu, while the President’s consent is necessary for the former USR Health Ministers. The charges specifically revolve around their roles in the government’s decision-making regarding vaccine procurement.
European Union Scrutiny: Romania’s Departure from Centralized Vaccine Acquisition Strategy
European Context: The investigation is contextualized within the European Union’s centralized approach to vaccine acquisition, initiated in June 2020. Romania, allegedly deviating from the agreed-upon strategy, is now under scrutiny for its actions in the period between January and May 2021.
Potential Financial Impact: The prosecutors assert that, despite the contracted doses being sufficient for vaccinating over 23 million people, the additional procurement has resulted in a substantial financial loss to the state, constituting a major setback in the country’s fight against the pandemic.
Reactions:
- Ioana Mihăilă, former Health Minister, claims to be uninformed officially and has learned about the allegations through media. She pledges to provide a public response upon receiving formal notification.
Legal Context:
- The legal proceedings fall under the provisions of Article 294(1) and Article 305(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code, referring to the responsibility of ministers, as regulated by Law no. 115/1999.
Presumption of Innocence:
- Despite the serious charges, the individuals under investigation benefit from the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This breaking development raises questions about governance and financial responsibility during a critical period in Romania’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Further updates are anticipated as legal and political processes unfold.
Editor: Andreea Gudin
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock does not assume responsibility for the information received and published on the public website. The responsibility for the content lies solely with the issuer of the press release.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock cannot be held accountable for false information transmitted by the recipients of the press releases/announcements.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock reserves the right not to publish press releases that contain inappropriate expressions or accusations and violations of the rights of other individuals, guaranteed by the Constitution of Romania.
The content of the website www.nineoclock.ro is intended for public information. Copying, reproduction, recompilation, modification, as well as any form of content exploitation from this website are prohibited. The use of the Comments section signifies your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions regarding the publication of comments on www.nineoclock.ro.
