Romania: Debates emerge over public spending on official foreign travel

Romanian political figures are facing scrutiny over the use of public funds for international travel. Radu Miruță, the interim Minister of National Defense and Transport, stated that his cabinet has spent 5.43 times less on foreign travel in 2024 compared to the previous administration. Miruță noted that his department spent 1.6 million lei on travel in 2024, contrasting it with previous spending levels, and emphasized that he opts for economy class and standard hotels to avoid unnecessary costs.

Simultaneously, the AUR party has submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament aimed at regulating who can accompany the President on foreign trips. The initiative seeks to ensure that public funds for transport and accommodation are only used for individuals holding an official legal status or function. The proposal specifically targets the practice of funding travel for non-official companions, such as the partner of Nicușor Dan, arguing that the status of ‘First Lady’ is not legally regulated in Romania.