During the Chamber of Deputies’ debate on a simple motion against Barna Tangzos, Barna Tanczos, stated that the stories of illegal logging in Romania weren’t true. According to him, no one could prove that he had witnessed illegal mass deforestation in 2021 or 2022. Agerpres.
The simple motion against the environment minister, filed by the reformist party USR (“Save Romania Union”), was rejected by the Chamber of Deputies on April 11. The motion was defeated by the Social Democratic Party, National Liberal Party (PNL), and Hungarian Democratic Union(UDMR) majority.
Minister Tanczos Barna needs to step down while we still have forests that need protection. USR said in a releaseOn April 5, its MPs filed a motion against the environment minister. USR argued that Tanczos was responsible for illegal logging, environmental damage, incapacity of the states to see the potential benefits of the green economy, and for the arrogant contempt shown by the Civil Society when drawing our attention to these issues.
This motion would not have been necessary if Mr. Tanczos who is currently Minister for the Environment had the courtesy of stepping down after a Recorder Report revealed that the Romanians were in charge of this country’s forests. He might have a valid excuse for his incompetence. We have also seen instances of incompetent Ministers. However, the motion’s signatories believe that there is more. This incompetence is accompanied by militant ill will, cynicism and deliberate efforts to sabotage oneself’s mandate. The Minister does not respect the citizens of the country he has been appointed to govern, nor the legacy that we all must leave, according to the USR motion.
USR filed their motion after a Recorder – Journalistic investigationThe environment minister fired the head of Timis’ Forestry Guard, who had been active in fighting illegal timber logging. The minister did not explain his reasons for this decision. He stated that a control was underway, and that he had dismissed the former chief commissar to ensure that he would not interfere in this control. Some PNL and PSD MPs were upset by the actions of the Forestry Guards.
Minister Tanczos responded to USRs motion by stating in the Chamber hearing that so-called illegal logging stories were false.
The Police and the Forestry Guard are out on the streets every single day, inspecting companies and looking for violations. During his hearing at the Parliament, he stated that tens and thousands of fine cases were found in our annual centralizers. He also said that thousands of criminal cases were opened and that we managed to increase our conviction rates by over 30% by 2021.
This is why, together with my colleagues from other ministries, we are trying to stop illegal logging (editor’s note). The penalties are more severe in 2020. We have a record number criminal cases against thousands of lawbreakers. I cannot emphasize enough the false impression that you (the initiators the simple motion – e.n.) have created. All over the country, and even abroad, lies about illegal logging have been propagated. I can’t stress enough that the false image that you (the initiators) created was not true. Nobody can show me any case of illegal logging in 2021 or 2022. It is shameful that Romania has been treated so badly by misleading and false information. Your rhetoric is based on false and misleading information.
The minister also stated that although there is illegal logging occurring in Romania, he could not deny that it is not the type of deforestation being discussed at the European level.
However, there are many research and investigation projects that can be done by local publications. Recorder.roThe enormous amount of illegal logging in Romania during the past 30 years is evident. The illegal logging of Romania has been a constant phenomenon for the past 30 years. It has been estimated that it is approximately 270 million cubic meters.
Romanian forests have been given the impression that they are now protected by legislative changes to prevent illegal logging. The reality is that the so-called timber mafia created new methods to continue illegal logging. This was covered by paperwork and the inaction of forestry authorities.
By Ioana Asproiu, contributor
(Photo source: Inquam Photos / Alex Nicodim)
