The former minister Eugen Teodorovici, director of the Audit Authority of the Court of Accounts, will be investigated by the Ethics Committee, at the request of the management of the institution that self-reported in relation to the information regarding his participation in an event organized by a political party.
Eugen Teodorovici, director within the Audit Authority of the Court of Accounts Photo: Archive
“As a result of the information appearing in the public space regarding the participation of Mr. Eugen Orlando Teodorovici, director within the Audit Authority, at an event organized by a political party, we make the following clarifications: Pursuant to the provisions of art. 57 of Law no. 94/1992 regarding the organization and functioning of the Court of Accounts, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions: “The disciplinary liability of external public auditors, the conditions and procedure for its application are established by the Code of Ethics of the profession, approved by the plenary session of the Court of Accounts“, claim the representatives of the Audit Authority, according to a press release sent on Thursday.
Thus, according to the provisions of the Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct of the staff of the Court of Accounts, external public auditors must maintain their independence from any political influence in the performance of their duties at the entities subject to verification, thus ensuring compliance with the principle of political neutrality.
“In the situation where, during verification actions at these entities, the external public auditors are subject to pressure of a political nature, they are obliged to notify, both verbally and in writing, the hierarchical heads about the respective situation, according to art. . 17 of this Code“, it is mentioned in the document, according to Agerpres.
According to the Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct of the staff of the Audit Authority, the public interest involves the fulfillment of the duties of the service with the observance by the external public auditor of the Constitution and the laws of the country, the Code of Conduct, as well as any specific internal regulations and rules of the Court of Accounts.
“Personal interest is the material or other advantage pursued or obtained directly or indirectly, for himself or for others, by the external public auditor by using the reputation, influence, facilities, relationships and information to which he has access, as a result of the exercise the attributions of his position“, it is also specified in the Code of Conduct.
According to the quoted source, the principle of integrity requires that the external public auditor does not knowingly take part in activities and acts, outside of professional activity, that would discredit their position.
“Professional conduct represents the principle according to which the external public auditor must behave and act in the performance of his duties in such a way as to avoid any situation that could discredit his function and the activity carried out, as well as the prestige of the Court of Accounts“, the document states.
At the same time, the personnel with management positions must represent an example of ethical and professional conduct for subordinate personnel.
The representatives of the Audit Authority claim that the public expression of political opinions or convictions, as well as the participation in public activities or demonstrations of a political nature, are considered disciplinary violations.
“Art. 25: The following facts are considered disciplinary violations: j) public expression of political opinions or convictions, as well as participation in public activities or demonstrations of a political nature.” According to the provisions of art. 43. paragraph (2) letter a) of Chapter III of the Statute of the External Public Auditor within the Court of Accounts: “The rights, obligations and prohibitions of the external public auditor. Art. 43: (2) External public auditors have the following prohibitions: a) to be part of political parties or organizations similar to them”. Taking into account the previously invoked provisions, the management of the Audit Authority self-reported and requested the Authority's Ethics Committee of Audit investigation of the alleged facts“, claim the representatives of the Court of Accounts.
The former minister from Ilan Laufer, president of the Romanian Sovereign Bloc, posted on Wednesday a picture on his Facebook page, from the launch of the formation, and in which Eugen Teodorovici appears, along with other political leaders.
Contacted by G4Media.ro, Eugen Teodorovici claims that he participated in the event as a moderator, not as a member or supporter. Instead, Ilan Laufer, who was asked in what capacity Teodorovici attended the event, said that the former finance minister is “a supporter of the Sovereign Bloc project and will continue to support us in the electoral campaign“, but specified that he is not yet a party member.
