DNA and the rule of law
Chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate in Romania (DNA), Laura Codruta Kovesi receives the distinction of knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour
Mihai Pelin, 08.06.2016, 13:56
The Ambassador of France to Bucharest, Francois Saint-Paul, has bestowed on the chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate in Romania, Laura Codruta Kovesi, the highest French distinction, that of knight of the Order of the Legion of Honour. He has underscored that the DNA’s results are really impressive, which is also confirmed by the recent EU report, which ranks DNA among the first five anti-corruption institutions in Europe. The French diplomat has pointed out that Laura Codruta Kovesi is a symbol of professionalism, integrity and duty.
Francois Saint-Paul: “We appreciate the long road covered and the powerful and lasting change of a system which owes you a lot, since it is owing to you and your numerous colleagues devoted to the cause that DNA enjoys a great popularity. Moreover, its fame goes beyond your country’s borders, becoming a model to be followed at European level. Due to your determination, Romania is changing by the day.”
The French Ambassador has said that the distinction was granted for Laura Codruta Kovesi’s devotion to the fight against corruption, for the fulfillment of her civic duty, her contribution to building the Romanian society, for her “extraordinary courage” in that fight. In turn, Laura Codruta Kovesi has made it clear that the fight against corruption is part of the preservation and defense of the rule of law.
Laura Codruta Kovesi: “I’m proud that I’m surrounded by courageous, active people, people who want to change Romania, who want to live in a corruption-free country, by people who know that the law is equally enforced, who were not intimidated by persons with an impressive wealth or persons who held important state offices. This distinction also rewards the fight for the preservation and consolidation of the rule of law. We will go ahead on this road as long as the DNA’s institutional stability and investigative responsibilities are kept.”
In 2011, when Laura Codruta Kovesi was prosecutor general of Romania, she received the French National Order of Merit in the rank of officer. France bestows these two decorations on people serving it, as well as on foreign personalities, for their achievements for the public benefit that must be set as an example.
