Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
A new legislative proposal in Romania aims to alter the process for submitting asset and interest declarations by public officials, according to a 23-page document submitted to Parliament. The project, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MJ) and the National Agency for Integrity (ANI), allows officials to file declarations exclusively through an online platform, e-DAI, without requiring public disclosure. This shift follows a 2025 Constitutional Court ruling.
Under the proposed changes, declarations must be signed using qualified electronic signatures or advanced signatures embedded in electronic identity cards. Officials designated under Article 1(1) point 39 must submit their declarations in a separate section of the e-DAI platform. The document explicitly states that “the obligation to submit declarations does not entail their publicity,” with data stored confidentially for seven years.
Legal Framework and Compliance Requirements
The revised Article 2 outlines specific technical and procedural requirements. For instance, declarations must adhere to annexes 1 and 2, which detail the format and content. Officials designated under Article 1(1) point 39 can use handwritten signatures, but all submissions must go through the e-DAI system. The measure is framed as a way to maintain “confidentiality.”
According to the document, the changes are the result of consultations between MJ and ANI, with political parties expected to propose amendments in Parliament.
Reactions from Officials and Political Actors
Cătălin Predoiu, Romania’s interim Minister of Justice and interim Minister of Internal Affairs, acknowledged the proposal’s flexibility. “Parties can submit amendments in Parliament,” he told Libertatea, emphasizing that the draft is “initially consolidated” by MJ-ANI. Predoiu’s dual role follows the dismissal of the government led by Ilie Bolojan by a motion of censure on May 5.
Context of the Constitutional Court Ruling
The proposal follows a 2025 Constitutional Court decision that invalidated the mandatory public disclosure of asset declarations. Since then, declarations have been filed with ANI but not made publicly available, a status quo the new legislation seeks to formalize.
Implications for Transparency and Accountability
Public and Media Response
Libertatea reported on the proposal.
FAQ
Why is this proposal controversial?
The proposal removes public access to asset declarations.
Who is affected by the changes?
The rules apply to officials listed under Article 1(1), including those under point 39.
Did You Know?
The Constitutional Court’s 2025 ruling meant that asset declarations of officials and public servants are no longer available to citizens and the press.
Pro Tips
Monitor parliamentary sessions for amendments to the proposal.
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