Tatiana Răducanu Resigns Amid Vetting Commission Scandal
Parliament acknowledged the resignation request of Tatiana Răducanu from her position as a member of the Independent Commission for Evaluating the Integrity of Candidates for the self-governing bodies of judges and prosecutors, and the Commission for External Evaluation of the Ethical and Financial Integrity of Prosecutors.
The Legislature adopted two draft resolutions regarding this matter.
"On May 14, 2024, the Legal, Appointments, and Immunities Committee received a resignation request signed by Ms. Tatiana Răducanu, in her capacity as a member of the Pre-Vetting Commission and the Commission for the Evaluation of Prosecutors and Judges," stated PAS deputy and chairwoman of the Committee, Veronica Roșca.
The head of the Legislature commented on the scandal surrounding the Vetting and Pre-Vetting Commissions. According to the official, "this is yet another attempt by prosecutors and judges who have not passed or realise they have no chance of passing the evaluation process, to attack the Evaluation Commission. I assure them that the Commission will continue its work, and the evaluation process will proceed. (…) I encourage diligent prosecutors and judges to move forward with confidence. Those who cannot justify their assets, lands, or houses, this is the end. I advise you, change your profession," stated Igor Grosu.
Tatiana Răducanu, a member of the Pre-Vetting and Vetting Commissions, involved in a criminal investigation initiated by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, decided to resign from these positions "to preserve her dignity and status as a retired judge," and to avoid escalating this controversy. In a letter sent to the press, she states that vetting in the judiciary is a reform that must continue and is the most effective method to remove compromised individuals from this field.
Tatiana Răducanu announced her resignation from the Pre-Vetting Commission and the Prosecutors' Vetting Commission, following a letter leaked to the press, in which the head of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (PA) suspects her, within a criminal investigation, of having connections and acting in the interests of fugitives Ilan Șor and Veaceslav Platon.
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, PA head Veronica Dragalin said the aim was to prevent a risk to the justice system, not to discredit the evaluation procedures.
In turn, President Maia Sandu demands concrete evidence from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office regarding the accusations against magistrate Tatiana Răducanu. Once conclusive evidence is presented, the Presidency could consider the possibility of removing the judge from her position as a member of the Supreme Security Council.
Despite this scandal, the Pre-Vetting Commission announced that it will continue its work and complete the evaluation procedures, according to its legislative mandate.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
