Romanian court upholds law forcing officials with conflict rulings to step down within 30 days

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Romanian court upholds law forcing officials with conflict rulings to step down within 30 days
Romanian court upholds law ending Timișoara mayors term over conflict of interest ruling
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Romania’s Constitutional Court on Monday upheld a Social Democratic Party-backed amendment to the country’s integrity law, ruling that officials found in definitive conflict of interest before the law’s enactment will automatically lose their positions 30 days after it takes effect. The 9-0 decision applies to those who have not completed a three-year ban tied to their incompatibility rulings, directly affecting Timișoara Mayor Dominic Fritz, who was declared in conflict of interest by the National Integrity Agency and lost a final court appeal in June .
The court also struck down a separate amendment proposed by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians that would have required partners of officials to publicly disclose financial interests, deeming it unconstitutional . Another provision obliging public servants to disclose assets was similarly rejected, while the court confirmed the constitutionality of the transitional measures targeting existing conflict-of-interest cases .
Constitutional Court President Simina Tănăsescu clarified that the law’s current wording means mandates—whether elected or appointed—will cease 30 days after the law’s enactment for those with final incompatibility rulings. “The legal effects of the current provision will be those verified by the Court and found constitutional by a majority: a sanction attached to a legal relationship already concluded will take effect within 30 days of the law’s entry into force,” Tănăsescu told Recorder .
The ruling has drawn sharp political reactions. PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said he would not comment until the court’s reasoning is published but called the term “Fritz amendment” inaccurate . National Liberal Party vice president Alexandru Muraru accused PSD of using state institutions to eliminate political opponents, stating, “From today, no elected mandate is safe. ANI, led by PSD, will decide instead of your vote” .
The decision also sparked speculation about internal USR tensions. AUR’s first vice president, Dan Dungaciu, predicted a “tough battle” within USR between President Nicușor Dan and interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, framing it as a struggle over influence ahead of the 2028 parliamentary and 2029 presidential elections .
Separately, Tănăsescu addressed a Friday meeting with Bolojan, stating it concerned only the court’s administrative space needs and not judicial matters. She denied any discussion of pending cases and rejected calls to resign . Interim Economy Minister Irineu Darău of USR called the meeting an “unfortunate coincidence” and noted it was not concealed, as it occurred in the Parliament building .
The court’s decision affects 47 current officeholders, including mayors and local councilors, who fall under the new provisions . The law now awaits promulgation.
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