gabriel amza is a documentary photographer, journalist and field producerbased in Timișoara, Romania.

Long Plagued By Corruption, Romania Seeks To Make A Fresh Start

27 Dec 2014  |  NPR  |  English  |  Elections

Romania, known for its poverty and corruption, is showing signs of a new beginning with the election of Klaus Iohannis as president. Iohannis, who campaigned on anti-corruption, will collaborate with Laura Codruța Kövesi, head of Romania's National Anti-Corruption Directorate. Kövesi has a strong track record, having sent 890 defendants to trial, including high-profile figures and politicians. The directorate has also confiscated nearly $200 million in connection with corruption cases. The article highlights the challenges of overcoming corruption ingrained since the fall of communism and the public's demand for accountability, as seen in the recent presidential elections where expat voting issues led to protests and a surge of support for Iohannis. Monica Macovei, an EU parliament member and anti-corruption activist, emphasizes the need for an independent judiciary. Iohannis, of German descent and from an ethnic minority, is credited with transforming his hometown of Sibiu and is expected to tackle corruption and misuse of public funds.

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National Anti-Corruption Directorate European Union Parliament

Adrian Ardelean is a journalist based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Broadcast working experience 15yrs
BBC Worldservice
Europa FM Radio, Romania
Digi24 TV, Romania

Former Prime Minister Florin Cîțu Under Criminal Investigation in Vaccine Case

06 Dec 2023  |  romania.europalibera.org  |  Romanian  |  Political Scandal

Florin Cîțu, former Prime Minister of Romania, is under criminal investigation for complicity in abuse of office with particularly serious consequences related to COVID-19 vaccine procurement. The National Anticorruption Directorate alleges that Cîțu approved the purchase of a significantly higher number of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine doses than necessary, without legal provisions or necessary analyses. Despite the accusations, Cîțu maintains that his actions were lawful. The case also implicates former Health Ministers Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihăilă, with the Romanian President approving the start of their prosecution. The additional vaccines, which may have caused a state budget loss of 1 billion euros, were procured despite existing contracts being sufficient for the national vaccination campaign.

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National Committee for the Coordination of Vaccination Activities against COVID-19 (CNCAV) National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) European Commission Romanian Government Romanian Senate

I am a freelance journalist originally from Romania. In the past three years, I have published over 400 articles on topics, ranging from political affairs in Eastern Europe to environmental abuses in African countries. Some of the publications that I have contributed to include Al Jazeera (****), ...

The Romanian Protest Wave: A Path to a New Political Era?

01 Jul 2021  |  Green European Journal  |  English  |  Environmental Justice

Romania has experienced significant protest movements over the past decade, starting with the 2013 Rosia Montana protests against a gold mining project. These movements have reshaped the political landscape, leading to the rise of new political parties and increased public demand for accountability and transparency. The protests have highlighted issues of corruption, environmental justice, and the need for democratic reforms. Key figures such as Victor Ponta and Ion Iliescu have faced criticism, while the National Anticorruption Directorate has been praised for its efforts. The political environment remains dynamic, with new parties like USR-PLUS and the extreme-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians gaining traction.

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National Anticorruption Directorate Romanian Government Social Democrats European Union

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Recently relocated to London, Kit Gillet is a journalist with extensive experience covering Romania/Moldova, writing for The New York Times, Guardian, Economist and others. He's also a regular commentator for the BBC World Service, Monocle radio, Al Jazeera, France 24, Euronews and others.

Leading Prosecutor for E.U. Anticorruption Job Is Barred From Leaving Romania

29 Mar 2019  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  European Union

Laura Codruta Kovesi, a leading candidate for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, has been barred from leaving Romania and accused of several crimes, raising concerns in Brussels about Romania's commitment to the rule of law. Kovesi, praised for her anticorruption efforts, faces charges from a controversial agency criticized for potential political motives. The Romanian government opposes her candidacy, while European leaders express support. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in Romania over judicial independence and anticorruption measures.

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National Anticorruption Directorate European Public Prosecutor’s Office Special Section for the Investigation of Crimes Committed by Magistrates Council of Europe Social Democratic Party Council of the European Union Group of States Against Corruption

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Andrew MacDowall is a experienced correspondent, analyst, and consultant covering Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. He has also done substantial work in the MENA region and South-East Asia as a business journalist and analyst. He has written for publications including the Guardian, ...

Romania’s Most Powerful Politician Is in Jail, but Its Corruption Fight Isn’t Over

27 May 2019  |  World Politics Review  |  English  |  Politics

Liviu Dragnea, Romania's most powerful politician, began a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence, marking a significant moment in the country's fight against corruption. His arrest halted controversial judicial reforms and raised hopes among critics that it could weaken the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD). The new PSD leadership under Prime Minister Viorica Dancila is working to improve relations with the European Union and President Klaus Iohannis. However, the battle against corruption is far from over, with ongoing debates about the National Anticorruption Directorate and institutional tensions.

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National Anticorruption Directorate Social Democratic Party European Union

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Stephen McGrath is a Romania-based correspondent. His work appears regularly in the international press, for publications including BBC, The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Spectator, New Statesman, Forbes, and others. 

In 2019, he was shortlisted in the Human Trafficking Foundation's ...

Jailed Romanian Businessman Dies As Anti-Corruption Fight In Spotlight

25 Jan 2017  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Politics

Dan Adamescu, a controversial Romanian businessman and critic of Romania's anti-corruption drive, died at 68 while serving a prison sentence for bribery. His business empire included Bucharest hotels, shopping centers, an insurance company, and the newspaper Romania Libera. Adamescu's son, Alexander, also faces bribery charges and is fighting extradition from the UK. The Adamescu family claims political persecution, aiming to silence Romania Libera. Meanwhile, Romania's anti-corruption efforts are under scrutiny as the government attempts to pass amnesty laws, sparking protests and calls for a referendum by President Klaus Iohannis. The National Anticorruption Directorate has a high conviction rate, and critics fear the new laws could undermine the anti-corruption fight.

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National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Social Democrat (PSD) government European Union

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Lorelei Mihala is a Romanian journalist based in Brussels who can cover topics from Belgium and Romania. 

I am writing for BBC News and I have nineteen years of experience as a TV journalist for the Romanian public television. 

As a TV journalist and editor, I am responsible for delivering TV ...

One of Romania’s most wanted, Sebastian Ghita, arrested in Belgrade

14 Apr 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  International Arrest

Sebastian Ghita, a Romanian businessman and former politician, was arrested in Belgrade after evading authorities for four months. Ghita, who amassed a significant fortune through IT contracts and other investments, faced corruption charges after losing his political immunity. He was accused of bribery and illegal campaign financing. Ghita fled Romania in December 2016, leading to an international manhunt that concluded with his arrest in Serbia. He had previously made allegations of collusion between Romanian intelligence and anti-corruption officials, including claims against General-Lieutenant Florian Coldea and chief prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi of the DNA. Ghita's allegations led to an internal investigation and Coldea's resignation, though no illegal activity was found. Ghita now faces additional charges in Serbia for using false identity documents.

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National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Social Democrat Party Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) Forbes Business Magazin FIBA Europe

Irene Mwangi is a multimedia journalist with a background in reporting matters politics, governance, and human interest stories. She has great experience in penning down stories that call for change and transformation in the issues of governance here in Kenya and East Africa.

Kenya: Raila Odinga Attributes Nyakango's Arrest to Political Witch Hunt

06 Dec 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Corruption

Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga condemns the arrest of Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o, calling it a political witch-hunt aimed at intimidating her for exposing corruption in President William Ruto's administration. Odinga and NARC Kenya Leader Martha Karua defend Nyakang'o, who was arrested in Mombasa on charges including conspiracy to defraud and operating a Sacco without a license. Nyakang'o had previously testified about inflated salaries for top government officials, which she claimed interfered with budget allocations.

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Directorate of Criminal Investigations National Treasury National Dialogue Committee Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Azimio La Umoja NARC Kenya Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

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I am a Romanian journalist based in Chisinau, Moldova, since 2015. My area of expertise is politics and investigations. However, I wrote features, analysis, interviews and news in English for several foreign media outlets from Europe and Caucasus. I covered also economics and social topics.

Senior Romanian Church Bishop Faces Corruption Probe

06 Dec 2023  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Politics

Romania's National Anticorruption Directorate has launched a criminal investigation into Archbishop Teodosie of Tomis, a senior cleric of the Romanian Orthodox Church, for allegedly engaging in corrupt practices to secure funding for the archdiocese. The investigation follows hidden camera footage showing Teodosie discussing a deal to obtain 800,000 lei in funding, with a 20% commission for the intermediary. The Romanian Orthodox Church has expressed its commitment to combating corruption, while Teodosie, known for his controversial political views, is also linked to the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians. The State Secretariat for Cults is cooperating with the investigation.

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National Anticorruption Directorate Romanian Orthodox Church State Secretariat for Cults Romanian Republican Party Alliance for the Union of Romanians

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Vlad Odobescu is a freelance journalist based in Bucharest, Romania. He is a member of the Romanian Centre for Investigative Journalism (www.crji.org), and Casa Jurnalistului (www.casajurnalistului.ro).

How Did Romanian Protest Culture Evolve?

02 Mar 2017  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Romanian Politics

Romania's protest culture has evolved significantly, driven by widespread anger over corruption and controversial government ordinances. Key events include the 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire and recent protests against an emergency ordinance decriminalizing certain official misconducts. The National Anti-Corruption Directorate has played a crucial role in fighting corruption, achieving high conviction rates. Despite economic reforms, Romania remains one of the poorest EU countries, with a society divided between those tolerant of corruption and those demanding transparency. The protests have fostered a renewed sense of solidarity, though challenges remain in overcoming the legacy of communism and achieving extended social cohesion.

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National Anti-Corruption Directorate Romanian Government Social Democrats Transparency International European Union

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Natalia is a Bolivian journalist based in Lyon, France. She has worked in countries such as Bolivia, El Salvador and France and reported for international media outlets such as Euronews.

International Women's Day: Meet some of Europe's most inspirational female role models

06 Mar 2020  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Gender Equality

Profiles of inspirational women across Europe, highlighting their achievements and contributions in various fields such as politics, activism, literature, and science. The article celebrates their impact on society, gender equality, and human rights, showcasing their dedication and influence in their respective domains.

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National Anticorruption Directorate Gender Alternatives Foundation Konsent Athens Academy Uhse Group Fridays for Future Champalimaud Clinical Centre Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust Civic Assistance Committee Swiss Socialist Party

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