MP Elena Udrea said Monday in a press conference that if she were guilty of anything it was that she wanted the ministry she led to promote itself with the greatest champion Romania had at the time (Lucian Bute- editor’s note), then she assumed her guilt.
"I admit, I am guilty because I wanted what millions of Romanians wanted in 2010, to see Lucian Bute boxing in Romania," Elena Udrea said.
Here are the main statements:
-Back then, in the Parliament they made statements that the Government was incapable to bring Lucian Bute and have him boxing at home.
-It was an opportunity for the Minister to use European Funds to promote Romania’s image.
-The Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism was the only minister which could have used European Funds for touristic purposes, using the image of an athlete.
-MDRT bought advertising time during the gala.
-I have contracted advertising services under the law.
It seems to me that this case’s appearance (Bute Gala – editor’s note) is related to the statements I have made on Friday in which I accused the current head of the SRI. You cannot conduct searches 4 years or so later .
I think it is an attempt to intimidate me and I expect anything to happen. It is an attempt to have me discredited.
-The covert officers in the media have been activated (...) They rushed to accuse me. I do not trust that there will be a thorough investigation of the things I have denounced.
I have asked the lawyers who have contested the measure ordered against me to withdraw it.
I feel saver being watched by the police.
-Regardless of how wrong I was, one cannot justify overlooking the attempt to take over the power using the information Mr. Coldea has in his capacity with the SRI.
-I am not accusing the SRI, an individual does not stand for an institution. Mr. Coldea is just a man not an institution.
The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) asked for an opinion from Parliament to begin prosecution of deputy Elena Udrea, former Minister of Development, and of Senator Ion Ariton, former Minister of Economy, in the case "Gala Bute" being suspected of corruption.
Legal committee deputies will review DNA’s request to begin prosecution in the case of Elena Udrea and they will issue a report in three days .