Nicușor Dan Accuses Romanian Institutions of Selective Enforcement and Systemic Dysfunction
Nicușor Dan has publicly responded to renewed reports concerning a criminal complaint filed by Romania’s Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) related to his past electoral campaign. According to Dan, the issue is not a recent development but a reemergence of information dating back to April 2025.
In his statement, Dan emphasized that the real concern is not about his personal case but about how public institutions function. He criticized what he described as a pattern of focusing on minor procedural details—“missing commas in documents,” as he suggested—while allegedly overlooking far more visible and substantial irregularities.
Dispute Over Online Donations
Dan argued that the AEP has consistently misunderstood the mechanics of online political donations. He pointed out that during his electoral campaigns in 2016 and 2020, the authority imposed similar fines related to online fundraising. Those penalties, he said, were later overturned by the courts. He further noted that previous criminal complaints filed in connection with those cases did not result in any legal consequences.
At the same time, Dan questioned what he described as inconsistent oversight, claiming that authorities did not identify any problems in the campaign financing of Călin Georgescu. His remarks suggest concerns about unequal scrutiny in the enforcement of electoral regulations.
Past ANI Report and Court Rulings
The mayor also referred to a 2022 report issued by the National Integrity Agency (ANI), which found him incompatible and in conflict of interest. Dan stated that this report was later annulled by a court decision. A criminal complaint was reportedly filed in connection with that case as well, but he said no legal action ultimately followed.
He contrasted his own experience with what he described as a broader lack of accountability among public officials. Without naming specific individuals, Dan implied that many politicians and civil servants have not faced scrutiny over unexplained wealth, suggesting that visible signs of affluence in public administration offices raise legitimate public questions.
Criticism of Construction Oversight
Dan also took aim at Romania’s State Inspectorate in Construction (ISC), accusing the institution of failing to address illegal building activities even when formally notified. According to him, authorities sometimes appear more focused on targeting compliant local administrations and civil servants than addressing genuine violations.
Call for Institutional Reform
Concluding his remarks, Nicușor Dan described the situation as the result of long-standing institutional “illness” and deeply rooted complicity. He argued that meaningful reform will require sustained effort and time, signaling his belief that structural changes—rather than isolated legal battles—are necessary to restore public trust.
The statements add to ongoing debates in Romania about institutional accountability, transparency, and the consistency of legal enforcement.
