Integrity Law Must Pass Despite “Abnormal” Fritz Amendment

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on the Integrity Law Mandate

Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated on Digi24 that the Integrity Law must pass even with the disputed asset disclosure provision, which he described as abnormal. According to Bolojan, the text proposed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) retains effects that require further debate following a constitutional review. Lawmakers scheduled a crucial vote in the Senate to clear the milestone before the end of August. Bolojan emphasized that missing the deadline would cost the country 770 million euros in available European financing.

Chamber of Deputies Vote and the Fritz Amendment Controversy

The Chamber of Deputies adopted the Integrity Project with 183 votes in favor, 84 against, and three abstentions, according to parliamentary records. The legislation retains the asset disclosure provision often referred to as the Fritz amendment, which survived a constitutional challenge despite narrowing public access to certain personal wealth details. The Constitutional Court previously declared the provision constitutional, though it stripped away the public nature of specific records. Following the lower house vote, the bill moved directly to the Senate for a final decision.

Future Legislative Plans and USR Amendment Support

To address the controversial asset disclosure restrictions, interim Prime Minister Bolojan announced that his administration will support a separate project submitted by the Save Romania Union (USR). While the current bill must pass immediately to satisfy EU auditors, Bolojan confirmed that lawmakers will push to eliminate the disputed amendment through subsequent parliamentary initiatives.

Financial Stakes Under the PNRR

The 770 million euro disbursement depends entirely on meeting the August 31 deadline for the integrity milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for adopting Romania’s Integrity Law?

Romania must adopt the Integrity Law by August 31 to avoid losing 770 million euros in EU funds tied to the PNRR milestone, according to interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

What does the controversial asset disclosure amendment change?

The provision, which was declared constitutional by the Constitutional Court, limits the public availability of certain wealth declaration details previously accessible under older transparency rules.

How do authorities plan to fix the disputed amendment?

Interim Prime Minister Bolojan stated that the government will back a separate legislative project submitted by USR to amend and correct the law after the initial milestone vote concludes.