According to reports by Libertatea, Adevărul, and Știripesurse.ro, Constitutional Court President Elena-Simina Tănăsescu met with PNL leader Ilie Bolojan on Friday, August 14, in the Senate President’s office. The unannounced meeting took place just three days before the Court is scheduled to rule on the controversial Integrity Law, which has been challenged by lawmakers and President Nicușor Dan.
Political Backlash and Demands for Transparency Regarding the Tănăsescu-Bolojan Meeting
The closed-door meeting drew sharp criticism from Social Democratic Party (PSD) officials, who questioned the timing and optics of the discussion. According to posts by PSD Senator Daniel Zamfir, Tănăsescu met with Bolojan late Friday afternoon in Senate President Mircea Abrudean’s office, an area sharing a building and a rear entrance with the Constitutional Court. Zamfir also alleged that Tănăsescu assigned herself the file that is being debated Monday on the ANI law.
Adding to the pressure, PSD Deputy Mihai Fifor publicly demanded official explanations from the court. According to statements published by Adevărul, Fifor argued that the public deserves to know who requested the meeting and whether the pending Integrity Law case was discussed, emphasizing that institutional independence must remain beyond reasonable suspicion.
CCR Response and the Upcoming Integrity Law Ruling
In response to media inquiries, the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) issued a formal statement on Saturday, August 15. According to the court’s press release published by Libertatea, President Elena-Simina Tănăsescu “firmly and categorically rejects any speculation regarding the discussion of cases pending before the Court outside the strict legal framework.”
The controversy surrounds a scheduled Monday, August 17 ruling on the Integrity Law. According to Știripesurse.ro, the legislation was challenged jointly by 27 USR and PNL senators, as well as separately by President Nicușor Dan. The law contains provisions requiring officials to lose their mandate in 30 days if they have a definitive decision of incompatibility or conflict of interest, even if it is prior to the new law—a provision impacting USR leader and Timișoara Mayor Dominic Fritz.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the meeting between Simina Tănăsescu and Ilie Bolojan take place?
According to reports, the meeting occurred on Friday, August 14, in the Senate President’s office.
What is the subject of the upcoming CCR ruling?
The Constitutional Court is set to rule on the Integrity Law, which includes disputed provisions on prior conflicts of interest and mandatory asset disclosures for partners of dignitaries.
How has the Constitutional Court responded to the allegations?
The CCR issued a statement on Saturday, August 15, rejecting any speculation that pending cases were discussed outside the legal framework.
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