Natalia Intotero’s first visit to ANM as minister after the public spending scandal / Elena Mateescu refuses to resign

Sanziana Georgescu

23 October 2026, 07:57

Current Affairs

Inquam Photos / Malina Norocea

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Environment Minister Natalia Intotero made her first official visit to the National Meteorological Administration on Friday, an institution at the center of a scandal over the use of public funds. The visit comes as authorities investigate purchases including a luxury bra, perfumes, dresses, pajamas, handbags, cosmetics and clothing items from expensive brands.

The information was presented on October 10 by former Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu, who claimed that the products had been purchased with ANM’s official card, using the institution’s budget. Buzoianu repeatedly called for ANM Director Elena Mateescu’s resignation, but she refused.

Mateescu said the investigation was ongoing and that a complaint had been filed with the economic crime investigation authorities. The ANM director said she did not intend to resign, arguing that the institution is strategic and must continue to operate.

Natalia Intotero’s visit follows a change in the leadership of the Environment Ministry. On her first day in office, the minister was welcomed at Romsilva by Director Jean Vișan. The institution is also under the ministry’s scrutiny, following attempts by its former leadership to reorganize it, which were challenged in court by trade unionists.

Context: ANM under investigation following allegations concerning luxury purchases and notifications to the Prosecutor’s Office and Police

Before the visit of the new minister, the administration of the National Meteorological Administration became the center of a scandal that erupted following internal checks requested by the interim Minister of the Environment, Diana Buzoianu. According to the findings made public, in 2025 and 2026, direct purchases allegedly were made from the institution’s budget, including through the use of official cards, for products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and clothing items, while the minister also indicated payments for other goods intended for personal use or decoration. Diana Buzoianu requested the resignation of ANM director Elena Mateescu and announced that the documents would be sent to prosecutors’ offices.

Elena Mateescu rejected the allegations and stated that she had not used the institution’s card, which she claims she considered inactive, and that she had not approved purchases of the type mentioned. She said that she ordered internal checks and that, following a preliminary audit, she notified the Police on August 12, 2026, calling for an investigation into possible unlawful acts. At the same time, she sent employees a message asking for trust and patience until the investigations were completed.