Controversial figures named to Romsilva board by Romanian environment minister, citing established procedure as rationale
The appointments of Mugur Cozmanciuc and Speranța Georgeta Ionescu to the board of directors of Romsilva, Romania's state forestry management company, have sparked criticism and concerns over transparency and governance. The appointments were made by Romania's Minister of Environment Diana Buzoianu in August 2025.
Both Cozmanciuc and Ionescu have had controversial pasts linked to corruption allegations. Cozmanciuc was accused of influence peddling in a case connected to Apele Române, but was acquitted in 2023. Ionescu faced accusations of receiving bribes in the form of an Audi A3 car and a Louis Vuitton handbag, but was also acquitted.
Cozmanciuc, a former deputy, has political ties to Relu Fenechiu, a former PNL leader in Iași who was convicted of corruption. Ionescu served as economic director at the Ministry of Environment during László Borbély's tenure.
The controversy surrounding the appointments has raised concerns about the implications for forest management governance in Romania. Romsilva manages over half of Romania's forests and sustainable management policies are crucial for the country's environmental health. The criticism centers on the message it sends regarding anti-corruption efforts and risks undermining public trust in forest management institutions.
Minister Buzoianu, a member of the Save Romania Union (USR), stated that the selection procedure had begun before her term and that she was bound by the outcome. However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the candidate selection process and called for reform of the election laws for the board.
The public and experts have voiced concerns about the impact on Romania’s forest management credibility and anti-corruption standards. The appointments have been seen as a step backward in the fight against corruption, particularly given the ongoing challenges in ensuring clean governance and accountability within state bodies managing natural resources.
[1] Romania Insider, "Environment Minister Appoints Controversial Figures to Romsilva's Board", August 2025. [2] Adevarul, "Criticism Over Appointments to Romsilva's Board", August 2025. [3] Ziarul Financiar, "Public Concerns Over Romsilva's Governance and Transparency", August 2025.
These appointments by Romania's Minister of Environment have ignited a debate in policy-and-legislation circles, with critics questioning the implications for Romsilva's forest management governance. The controversy, stemming from the controversial pasts of Mugur Cozmanciuc and Speranța Georgeta Ionescu, raises questions about Romania's commitment to upholding anti-corruption standards and maintaining public trust in its forest management institutions.
