The official decision was issued on Thursday, March 28, by the prosecutors from the newly-established Section for Investigating Magistrates (SIIJ). As part of the judicial control measure, Kovesi is currently banned from leaving Romania and she cannot speak to the press about the ongoing investigation. Laura Codruța Kovesi is one of the two favorites in the race for European Chief Prosecutor. Kovesi believes that the current situation is meant to prevent her from getting the European Chief Prosecutor job, as negotiations between the European Parliament and Council are currently in progress. For context, the case in which Kovesi was placed under judicial control, being investigated for abuse-in-office, bribe-taking, and false testimony, was opened following a complaint by runaway businessman Sebastian Ghiță. The judicial control is a preventive measure, not a punitive one, as Kovesi has not been declared guilty yet. Mild protests to support Kovesi took place on Saturday in Bucharest, as similar movements may follow.
Moreover, Kovesi received support from the European Parliament. On Friday, March 29, Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament, publicly declared his concern, endorsing Kovesi’s candidacy and stating that this issue will be raised during the European Parliament group leaders’ meeting on April 3. In the race for European Chief Prosecutor, Kovesi is supported by the European Parliament, whereas the Council has endorsed a French candidate.
