Radu Miruță accuses former PSD officials of wanting to sell the Mangalia Shipyard for 10 million euros

Romania’s interim Minister of Defense and Economy, Radu Miruță, says that the Mangalia Shipyard was set to be sold for just €10 million before he took office. He made the statement in an exclusive interview with Digi24.ro, amid allegations made by former Prime Minister Victor Ponta following the shipyard’s sale.

Miruță says that, when he arrived at the Ministry of Economy, the sale documentation had already been prepared by former officials of the institution. He claims that the shipyard’s difficult situation was also caused by decisions made while Ponta was leading the government. According to the minister, ANAF may have identified transfers from Romania at artificially inflated prices.

The official rejects Victor Ponta’s allegations, saying they are not supported by evidence. Miruță also says that no PSD representative has publicly challenged the documents he cites.

CITR, the judicial liquidator of Damen Shipyards Mangalia, announced on Friday, October 9, the sale of the shipyard through an auction for €138,034,320.47, excluding VAT. The winner is Rheinmetall Real Estate România SRL. Ponta claims that the state, which held a 51% stake, was disadvantaged and accuses the minister of preparing changes to the leadership of CNAIR. Miruță denies these claims and says the matter concerns the lawful organization of competitions for positions whose mandates are expiring.