In Romania, an EU-funded farm-road contract allegedly took a small detour through a mayor's pocket. The European prosecutors say they caught the mayor of Buduslău, in Bihor county, red-handed.
5% of the contract, in cash
According to the EPPO, the mayor — who also reportedly acted as the town's financial officer — demanded a bribe worth 5% of the value of a contract for an EU-funded agricultural road. With the contract worth about €770,000, the alleged kickback comes to some €38,500.
The European prosecutors on the ground
The mayor was reportedly placed under judicial control. The case shows the EPPO working close to the ground: not only big cross-border files, but also the petty local corruption that nibbles away at EU funds, euro by euro.
Five percent: an almost reasonable rate — except it appeared on no quote. The mayor seems to have confused a “tender commission” with a plain commission.
Magouilles & Compagnie's verdict
Small village, small percentage, same logic as the big cases: EU public money knocked off course. Romania's courts will decide; until then, the mayor is presumed innocent.
⚖ Your verdict Live
In your view, is this a case of magouille — or calomnie?
📚 Sources
- European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) — Romania: mayor caught red-handed while receiving bribe
- Romania Insider — Romanian mayor caught taking bribe, says EPPO
❓ FAQ
What is passive bribery?
It is when a public official solicits or accepts an undue advantage in exchange for an act of office — here, performing a public contract.
How big is the alleged bribe?
About €38,500, i.e. 5% of an EU-funded agricultural-road contract worth around €770,000.
Is this real news?
It is factual satire based on the EPPO and Romania Insider. Judicial control is not a conviction; presumption of innocence is respected.