Interviews with key leaders of a country’s institutions represent an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at power and better understand the decisions and strategies shaping the future of the nation. Today, we invite you on a captivating journey where we will have the privilege of speaking with an elected representative of the Romanian state: Mr. Ioan-Cristian Chirteș, the President of the Joint Permanent Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate for exercising parliamentary control over the activities of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI).
National security institutions play a crucial role in protecting the interests of the nation and its citizens. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand how these organizations are led and regulated. The President of the Committee for Controlling the Activities of the Romanian Intelligence Service is a central figure in this process, responsible for overseeing the activities of the Romanian Intelligence Service and ensuring they are in accordance with the law and in the best interests of society.
Therefore, we invite you to stay with us to discover what the President of the Committee for Controlling the Activities of the SRI has to say about his responsibilities, challenges, and the prospects for the future of national security. This is an interview that should not be missed, as it sheds light on a vital field often shrouded in mystery.
Răzvan Moise asks: Considering the legal provisions related to parliamentary control, how would you describe the actual role of the committee you lead in a democratic system where Parliament is the supreme representative body?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: The Control Committee operates based on Decision No. 30/1993, adopted in the joint session of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on June 23, 1993, from which the Committee began its activities. The working procedures are described in the Committee’s organizational and operational regulations. According to the provisions of Decision No. 30/1993, the Committee consists of 9 members, including a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and 6 members. Since it is a joint committee, it includes both senators and deputies, with political parties represented in accordance with their parliamentary representation. The position of the Committee’s president has been held by both senators and deputies, with the appointment made through parliamentary negotiation. Law No. 14/1992 is an organic law that regulates the legal framework for the organization and operation of the internal intelligence service and for democratic control over it. Article 1 stipulates that the Romanian Intelligence Service is the state-organized service specialized in collecting information related to Romania’s national security, part of the national defense system, with its activities organized and coordinated by the Supreme Council of National Defense. The activities of the Romanian Intelligence Service are subject to parliamentary control. Annually or when Parliament decides, the director of the Romanian Intelligence Service presents reports to Parliament regarding the performance of the Service’s duties in accordance with the law. To exercise concrete and continuous control, a joint committee of both chambers is formed. The organization, functioning, and methods of exercising control are established by a decision adopted by Parliament.
Răzvan Moise asks: What were the reasons that led you to become a member of this committee?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: I have been a member of the Committee since 2017, at the recommendation of my fellow senators. In 2015, I graduated from the National Defense University “Carol I,” the National Defense College, and the courses I took there made me believe that I could contribute to the democratic development of this intelligence service. That’s when I began reading extensively about civilian control of intelligence services, and this could only be achieved by respecting the provisions of the Constitution.
Răzvan Moise asks: What are your personal objectives as the president of the committee?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: My personal objective is to support the liberal values that I believe in and that have shaped me as a person and a politician. Freedom of expression, the defense of individual rights and freedoms, respect for the rule of law and constitutional values, guaranteeing and defending property, and multi-partisanship are just some of the liberal values I support in my role as the committee’s president.
Răzvan Moise asks: Do you believe that this committee should have an active and visible role, or should it be more discreet?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: One of my objectives as the committee’s president was to increase communication with civil society and others. I have set up a Facebook page to facilitate communication among all committee members, regardless of their political affiliation. I have issued numerous press releases informing the public about the committee’s activities and have participated in various events related to our field. Yes, I believe that this committee should have a much more active and visible role.
Răzvan Moise asks: Considering that we are nearing the end of your term, do you think that the proposed objectives have been achieved or fulfilled to a satisfactory extent?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: Yes, and when I say this, I refer to the fact that, together with the committee members, we have conducted oversight actions at all territorial units and nearly all central units. We have addressed hundreds of requests and petitions and have continuously verified the legality of the service’s actions. My only dissatisfaction is related to the fact that the new set of laws on state security has not reached Parliament. This package of laws is urgently needed, especially given the regional geopolitical context influenced by Russia’s aggressive and illegal war in Ukraine.
Răzvan Moise asks: Given the various public statements suggesting that intelligence oversight committees tend to act in a formal manner regarding their legal duties, how do you comment on such claims? And do you believe that during your tenure, such assessments do not align with reality?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: Yes, such claims are made in all democratic countries with oversight of intelligence services. I can assure you that these claims are baseless, as oversight is carried out within the limits set by the current law. Some countries have more intrusive oversight of their intelligence services (e.g., the USA), while others have a much more limited role than we do. We do our job in line with the Constitution and the existing laws.
Răzvan Moise asks: Can you tell us if, during the oversight you’ve conducted, there have been instances where the SRI has deviated from the law?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: It is difficult to define whether we can speak of deviations from the law. Yes, we have identified issues in the service’s operations, but these were resolved promptly. In addition, there are other oversight bodies that examine the service’s activities. For example, the legality of its actions is scrutinized by the High Court of Cassation and Justice, its economic activities by the Court of Accounts of Romania, and its operational activities by the Supreme Council of National Defense. So, there are numerous mechanisms for reviewing the service’s activities.
Răzvan Moise asks: There are numerous opinions in the public space suggesting that the legislation required for the specific activities of state security has numerous outdated elements. When do you anticipate that this legislation will be updated, and what actions have been taken in this direction?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: Yes, as I mentioned earlier, the legislation related to state security dates back to the early 1990s. Threats and security challenges have continuously evolved, and the responses to them have also changed. Specifically, we have managed to amend some provisions of the laws, but a legislative reform in the field of state security is absolutely necessary.
Răzvan Moise asks: Given that SRI employees cannot be part of trade unions, from your perspective, does the committee also have a role in representing the interests of SRI employees?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: One of the committee’s responsibilities is to verify the human resources within the service. We have received complaints and petitions from active or reserve employees, and we have addressed these in a concrete manner. However, as a military structure, the activities of employees are also subject to military regulations. We cannot say that we defend the interests of SRI employees, but we do verify any abuses and concerns brought to the committee’s attention.
Răzvan Moise asks: From the perspective of maintaining a climate of security in Romania, how do you anticipate the elections next year will unfold? Specifically, what would you advise the electorate to choose in order to establish a climate of safety and security in Romania, which is crucial in the current geopolitical context?
Ioan-Cristian Chirteș responds: 2024 will be a challenging year, especially in terms of elections. There are types of elections that overlap with a complicated economic and security situation in Europe. We observe a rise in extremist currents throughout Europe. The manifestation of such currents only weakens a state’s power. Voter turnout is very important, especially in the context of this growing wave of extremism and sovereigntism, which can only be countered by a high voter turnout. But I have confidence in the maturity of Romanian society, and the way the parties in government today meet the demands of the population is very important.