President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday that the recent appointments of the heads of major prosecutor's offices were not the result of any political barter, adding that he has "great confidence" in Cristina Chiriac, appointed to lead the General Prosecutor's Office.
"The position of deputy does not influence the direction of a prosecutor's office. Mr. Voineag and Mr. Florenta applied for deputy positions at different offices than the ones where they previously worked. In the press conference last week, when I announced the appointments, I also criticised them, so I have been consistent," Dan said in an interview with private broadcaster Europa FM.
He noted that the candidates passed the Ministry of Justice evaluation and that there were no legal grounds to reject them. "It was not a political barter. Among the names that matter - Mr. Cerbu, Mrs. Chiriac, Mr. Miron - if you ask about my preference, the hierarchy is not the one you mentioned. For example, I have great confidence in Mrs. Chiriac," he added.
Asked about the accusations previously raised regarding Cristina Chiriac, Dan said the cases had been clarified. "The DNA file concerned blackmail involving certain footage. It was a consensual act, with no minors involved, and Mrs. Chiriac found the blackmail accusation to be grounded. Later, in the case at the Iasi Court of Appeal, other evidence led to a conviction for aggression against minors. That is the brief summary," he explained.
The president said he expects the new leadership of the prosecutor's offices to increase performance. "From the citizen's perspective, expectations are not being met. The main expectation is a real fight against corruption. I expect this from Mrs. Chiriac and Mr. Cerbu. From Mr. Miron, I expect a real clampdown on drug trafficking, especially large networks," he stated, adding that he also wants stronger action on financial crime.
He said he expects visible results within about six months.
Nicusor Dan also reiterated that he will move forward with a referendum on justice, which he plans to launch within a month.
Asked whether he had discussed with the president of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, Lia Savonea, Dan said they had spoken during debates on magistrates' pensions and had met at the Cotroceni Palace. Asked if he considers Savonea to be the best option for the High Court, he replied: "I never said that. She was elected by the Superior Council of Magistrates, and the President of Romania has no role in that decision."
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