Romanian court upholds law ending Timișoara mayors term over conflict of interest ruling

Romania’s Constitutional Court ruled on Monday that a Social Democratic Party amendment to the country’s integrity law is constitutional, a decision that will end Timișoara Mayor Dominic Fritz’s term within 30 days if the law is enacted.
The court, in a 9-0 vote, upheld the PSD-backed provision stating that officials found in a definitive state of incompatibility or conflict of interest before the law’s entry into force, and who have not completed a three-year ban, will automatically lose their position 30 days after the law takes effect. The ruling came after challenges from 27 USR and PNL senators and President Nicușor Dan.
Fritz, who leads USR and has served as Timișoara’s mayor since 2020, was found in conflict of interest by the National Integrity Agency in July 2024 for approving a zoning plan modification linked to a USR councilor whose firm had loaned him 25,000 lei during his 2020 campaign. Two courts, including the High Court of Cassation and Justice, upheld ANI’s decision.
In response, Fritz announced he would take his case to the European Court of Human Rights. “My path continues at the ECHR, where the phones from Kiseleff don’t reach. I will not fight for myself, but for the free vote cast by the people of Timișoara,” he said. He accused the PSD of a “brutal abuse of power” and warned that the ruling sets a precedent allowing future majorities to retroactively punish political opponents.
The court also struck down an AUR amendment requiring partners of officials to file financial interest statements, declaring it unconstitutional. Additionally, it ruled that publishing officials’ financial interest declarations is unconstitutional, though they must still submit them to ANI.
PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu declined to comment on the ruling until the court releases its reasoning but dismissed the term “Fritz amendment” as inaccurate. “No condemned individuals in public office,” he said when asked about Fritz’s accusations. Grindeanu also said he would consider convening Parliament urgently to ensure Romania does not lose €770 million tied to the law and urged colleagues to publicize their asset declarations.
Controversy surrounded the ruling after reports of a closed-door meeting between CCR President Simina Tănăsescu and interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, a PNL leader, days before the decision. Tănăsescu was replaced as the case’s reporting judge, and Bolojan called the criticism an attempt “to make a mountain out of a molehill.” Former CCR President Augustin Zegrean said such meetings should not occur, as they risk undermining public trust in the court’s independence.
AUR called for Fritz’s resignation, accusing USR and its allies of a “political contradiction” for advocating transparency only when it does not affect those close to power. The party’s statement argued that the principle of transparency should apply equally to officials’ partners.
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