Romanian Prime Minister removes Consumer Protection Agency's leader in light of ongoing legal investigation
Cristian Popescu Piedone, a former mayor of Bucharest's District 4 and previously District 5, has found himself in hot water due to corruption allegations. The National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) is conducting an investigation against him, with Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors also targeting the head of the Consumer Protection Agency in a related case.
The current controversy revolves around accusations that Popescu Piedone gave prior warning of an upcoming inspection to a hotel in Sinaia, preventing any sanctions from being imposed. These allegations led to his dismissal from his position as head of the Consumer Protection Agency (ANPC) in July 2025.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan made the decision to dismiss Popescu Piedone following the analysis of documents from both ANPC and DNA. The former mayor was placed under judicial control on July 22, 2025, and Sebastian Ioan Hotca, who previously served as interim president of the ANPC in 2024, will take over his duties.
It's important to note that these allegations are not directly related to the Colectiv club fire incident, in which Popescu Piedone was previously involved as the mayor of Bucharest's District 4 during the 2015 tragedy. Initially, he was sentenced to four years in prison in connection with the fire, but Romania's High Court overturned the verdict in 2023, leading to his release. Currently, there appears to be no active legal proceedings against him related to the Colectiv fire.
In addition to the ongoing investigation at his home and offices, the raid on homes and offices is part of a broader case targeting the head of the Consumer Protection Agency. The exact nature of the allegations against Popescu Piedone in the investigation is not specified in the provided text.
[1] Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announces the dismissal of Cristian Popescu Piedone from ANPC. [2] Romania's High Court overturns Cristian Popescu Piedone's sentence in connection with the Colectiv club fire. [3] Cristian Popescu Piedone accused of unauthorized disclosure of inspection information. [4] Cristian Popescu Piedone resigns as mayor of Bucharest's District 4 following the Colectiv club fire.
[1] Following the analysis of documents from both the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) and the Consumer Protection Agency (ANPC), Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announces Cristian Popescu Piedone's dismissal from his position at the ANPC.
[4] In the aftermath of the Colectiv club fire incident, Cristian Popescu Piedone, then the mayor of Bucharest's District 4, steps down from his position.
