The Chief of the Army, General Gheorghiţă Vlad, rejects the accusations brought against him today by the DNA and notes the curious nature of the timing chosen for their formulation.
”I categorically reject the accusations that have been made against me and unequivocally state that I have not committed any acts of corruption and have had no direct or indirect involvement in activities that could constitute complicity in such acts.
I trust that the truth will emerge from the objective analysis of the facts and evidence, but I cannot help but notice the at least curious nature of the timing chosen for the formulation of this accusation, especially considering that the case has been under investigation for almost a year, and the decision to press charges comes now, in a particularly sensitive and complex national context,” writes Gheorghiţă Vlad on Facebook.
The case risks undermining public trust in the Army
The General maintains that under his leadership, the Army has strengthened its role, operational capacity, and credibility, becoming a benchmark of stability and professionalism in fulfilling its missions.
”From this perspective, I cannot ignore the fact that harming the image of the leadership of the General Staff of the Defense Ministry at such a moment produces effects that go beyond my person and risk undermining public trust in an essential institution for the defense of the country and the safety of its citizens.
My entire professional and public activity has been guided by respect for the law, the principles of integrity, responsibility, and service to the public interest. These values have guided my career until today and will continue to guide my conduct in the future,” adds the Chief of the Army.
He mentioned that he will support the investigation but will defend the truth, along with his own reputation and the image of the institution.
”I will provide all necessary support to the judicial authorities and make myself available whenever necessary to fully clarify the situation.
At the same time, I will spare no effort to defend the truth, my reputation, and, above all, the image and credibility of the institution I lead.
In the complex and tense context we are going through, I believe that protecting public trust in the fundamental institutions of the state is a responsibility that must be exercised with the utmost seriousness and balance. I am convinced that facts and truth will prevail,” he concluded.
The Chief of the General Staff of Defense, General Gheorghiță Vlad, is suspected of "complicity in usurping a function." According to the DNA, he allegedly intervened at the Ministry of Education to increase the budget places at the University of Physical Education, so that 20 students could switch from paying tuition to having it covered by the state budget. Subsequently, three of them were supposed to be employed as officers at the Ministry of Defense upon completing their university studies.
The General was questioned by the military DNA this morning.
The Ministry of National Defense stated that the DNA is carrying out specific verification activities, and the General Staff of Defense is fully cooperating with the competent authorities.
General Gheorghiţă Vlad was appointed as Chief of the General Staff of Defense on November 30, 2023.