The Romanian Intelligence Service does not take part in political deals and conducts its activity exclusively within the limits established by the Constitution and the law, the institution’s representatives said on Tuesday.

SRI reacted following statements made by former Prime Minister Ludovic Orban on public television, after he accused the institution of political involvement in the context of forming the new Government.

“Following the statements made by Mr. Ludovic Orban on public television on October 20, SRI considers the repeated launch into the public space of unfounded accusations, attributing political involvement to the institution without any evidence, regrettable and irresponsible.

The political failure or success of certain political formations or individuals, because of or thanks to SRI, represents a permanent theme in public rhetoric that may signify a failure to take responsibility for political or institutional decisions and their consequences. The repeated nature in the public space of the vulgar language directed at the Service and its leadership prompts this reaction.

As regards SRI’s interim leadership, it is neither secret nor outside the law. And certainly not “on the sly.” The identity of the person performing the interim role is public, and the legality of exercising the position is not a matter of opinion, but is in accordance with the law.

SRI does not take part in political deals and conducts its activity exclusively within the limits established by the Constitution of Romania and the law. SRI will continue to ensure the security and safety of Romanians and the Romanian state, in accordance with the law and the resources allocated in relation to the dynamics and severity of the threats,” the SRI Facebook page states.