ANM director defends procurement practices amid luxury-item scandal

In a televised discussion, ANM director Elena Mateescu responded to questions about the scandal involving luxury purchases made with agency cards. She asserted that she never held a dialogue with Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu on the matter, although the minister was informed of an internal audit in August. Mateescu outlined that a control mission by the Ministry of Environment’s audit body occurred, prompting an internal audit and a preliminary report forwarded on 12 August to the economic crime investigation unit.

She explained that the purchases, including a costly bra, were executed using two cards assigned to the procurement division, while her own director-general card remained inactive. Mateescu also criticized the ANM Board of Directors for being non-functional, noting that only two ministerial members remain, preventing proper governance. Buzoianu echoed concerns about the board’s inactivity and cited difficulties in appointing new members due to procedural hurdles.