Elena Lasconi criticizes Nicușor Dan for the ban imposed on a journalist at the conferences held at Cotroceni

Elena Lasconi criticizes President Nicușor Dan after investigative journalist Ovidiu Vanghele was allegedly barred from attending press conferences at Cotroceni Palace. The former candidate for President of Romania says that public offices are temporary, and that elected officials must accept uncomfortable questions and respect press freedom.

In a public message, Lasconi states that personal egos have no place in politics and public administration, and that state institutions do not belong to those who lead them. She emphasizes that journalists may make mistakes or go too far, but that this does not justify restricting their right to ask questions.

The reaction comes after a conference held by Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace. Ovidiu Vanghele asked the head of state about the activity of Prosecutor General Cristina Chiriac and a vote she cast in the Prosecutors’ Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy. The president replied that he had ordered the journalist not to attend his conferences for the duration of his term, citing insults the journalist had allegedly directed at him previously.

Vanghele later said that his main regret was not receiving an answer to the question he had asked.