Romanian Vice Premier Dragoș Anastasiu Resigns Amid Bribery Scandal, Offers Emotional Farewell

Romanian Vice Premier Dragoș Anastasiu’s recent resignation has plunged the government into turmoil and sparked widespread public debate.

At this moment, in this climate, it’s clear to me that I can no longer be of help. No matter what I say or do, the smear campaign — although based on facts — will continue and be taken to extremes. That’s why, after speaking with the Prime Minister, I told him I would do more harm than good and that it’s time for me to step back or aside and resign

VicePremier Dragos Anastasiu during the conference announcing resignation

The scandal centres on revelations that, over several years, companies owned by Anastasiu paid substantial sums – totalling between €150,000 and €170,000 – to Angela Georgeta Burlacu, an inspector at Romania’s tax authority (ANAF). These payments, presented as consulting fees, were in truth bribes meant to secure favourable treatment for Anastasiu’s businesses, including the avoidance of financial penalties and expedited VAT returns.

Angela Burlacu’s conviction earlier this year, which resulted in a prison sentence exceeding five years, brought the story back into the spotlight. During the trial, Anastasiu himself admitted to authorising these payments, explaining that he did so under duress, believing he was protecting his employees and business interests from what he described as institutionalised extortion. While Anastasiu was not formally charged as a defendant, the court accepted his status as a cooperating witness. The final judicial ruling closed the case, but revelations from the court documents ignited a massive public outcry.

What makes this scandal particularly volatile is not just the legal aspect, but the political implications. Pressure mounted quickly from across the political spectrum. Civil society groups, business federations, and leading media voices have questioned the credibility of a high-ranking official whose public record now includes an admission of bribery. Opposition parties demanded immediate resignation, labelling Anastasiu’s continued presence in the government as an affront to Romania’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts and government reform agenda. Even within the ruling coalition, party members expressed concern, both privately and publicly, that the episode had severely undermined government integrity.

The atmosphere became especially charged as details of the case began circulating widely in the press and on social media, with many citizens voicing frustration over what they see as a double standard whereby business elites evade full accountability.

The fact that Anastasiu was not indicted, despite admitting to bribery, raised further questions about systemic impunity in Romanian politics. Unions and civil society leaders organised protests and called for systemic reform, arguing that real change is impossible as long as individuals involved in such corruption scandals continue to hold senior government positions.

Anastasiu’s resignation, announced during the planned press conference on July 27, 2025, seeks to address mounting criticism but has not fully alleviated the controversy. During his emotional speech, Anastasiu thanked his family and collaborators for their support, visibly moved as he expressed his gratitude amid the difficult moment.

His initial defence, that he acted to protect his businesses under threat, did little to quell the debate about ethics in public life and the standards to which political leaders should be held. The affair remains a flashpoint for discussing the broader challenges facing Romania, including the need for meaningful anti-corruption reforms, transparency in government, and rebuilding public trust in political institutions.