The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) of Romania has initiated an investigation into the dubious procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, implicating three prominent public officials – former Prime Minister Florin Cîțu, and former Ministers of Health, Vlad Voiculescu and Ioana Mihăilă. The charges alleged include abuse of office.
A press release from the DNA elucidates that there is credible evidence suggesting Voiculescu and Mihăilă illegitimately contracted for and spent an excessive 1 billion Euros on vaccine doses procured between January and May 2021. Accounts suggest that the dose quantities purchased far exceeded the need of Romania’s eligible population pegged at 10.7 million. Vaccine quantifications ordered prior to January 2021 were adequate to vaccinate over 23 million. The procurement of another 52 million doses when required documentation specifying need was not provided, resulted in damages sustained by the state budget, the prosecutors argue.
Cîțu has refuted the claims on his Facebook page, asserting faith in the judiciary. Voiculescu, in his address, has acknowledged these differences in opinions but continues to defend the procurement strategy implemented due to the uncertainties surrounding the availability of vaccines and the unpredictability of the viral strains.
Political parties have been drawn into the controversy with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) calling out the Save Romania Union Party (USR) for adopting a less critical stand towards criminal allegations put forward against its leadership. In a striking Facebook post, the PSD observes that the astronomical sum of a billion euros was the price paid by Romanians for the unnecessary doses.
In lieu of these allegations, if the investigation proceeds, it will be framed under the statutes concerning dereliction of duty and office abuse by public officials.
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