Why this story matters:
Romania’s former anti-corruption chief Laura Codruta Kövesi was the European Parliament’s choice for EU chief prosecutor, however after Thursday, Kövesi’s progression has been hindered after she herself was accused of corruption charges. These charges prevent her from travelling abroad and she has also been banned from speaking publicly about the case.
Kövesi was controversially fired from her position as anti-corruption chief last year after a recommendation from Romania’s Constitutional Court, despite receiving praise from the European Commission for her work.
The Romanian government has been vocal in its opposition of Kövesi’s appointment to the position of chief prosecutor. Kövesi has commented on the indictment, declaring it is "a measure intended to silence me, to harass all of us in the judicial system who did our job.”
Details from the story:
- Kövesi was the EP’s favoured candidate for the position as EU chief prosecutor.
- The new European Public Prosecutor’s Office would combat corruption and money laundering.
- EU Member State governments proposed Jean-François Bohnert as their preferred candidate.
- Kövesi has said she believes her forced silence is due to the fact that some are fearful she may actually be awarded the position.
- Romania is currently holding the rotating position of the Council of the EU presidency.
