Radu Marinescu. Inquam Photos / Octav Ganea
Romania’s newly appointed Minister of Justice, Radu Marinescu, is facing allegations of plagiarism concerning his 2009 doctoral thesis, just weeks after becoming a deputy in the December 1, 2023 parliamentary session.
- Radu Marinescu was nominated to the Ministry of Justice in the Ciolacu 2 Government.
- Investigative journalist Emilia Șercan has accused him of plagiarizing his doctoral thesis.
- Marinescu served two terms as a local councilor in Craiova between 2016 and 2024.
- he has a long-standing professional relationship with Craiova Mayor Lia Olguța Vasilescu.
The allegations, brought forth by investigative journalist Emilia Șercan, center on Marinescu’s doctorate in legal sciences, which he obtained in 2009 from the “Nicolae Titulescu” Faculty of Law at the University of Craiova. His curriculum vitae, available on the Ministry of Justice website, lists the degree.
Local Politics and Legal Representation
before his national appointment, Marinescu was deeply involved in local politics in Craiova. He served two terms as a local councilor from the PSD (Social Democratic Party) from 2016 to 2024. He is described as a close associate of Mayor Lia Olguța Vasilescu,frequently representing her in legal matters,according to știricraiova.ro. The website noted Vasilescu “sat almost as often as needed in the courts,” with Marinescu achieving favorable outcomes for her.
From 2008 to 2018, Marinescu lectured at Titu Maiorescu University in Târgu Jiu. He also coordinated the editorial board of the Dolj Bar magazine from 2007 to 2016, as detailed in his CV published by the Ministry of Justice. Since 2007,he has also served as an advisor to the Dolj Bar Association,focusing on education,socio-cultural activities,and international relations,representing the association at the federation of European Bar Associations.
In March 2023, Marinescu ran for dean of the Dolj Bar, but was unsuccessful. He was also considered as a potential nominee by the PSD for a judgeship at the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR).
Academic Background and Legal Cases
Marinescu’s academic journey began at the Buzești Brothers collage in Craiova. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1995 from the “Nicolae Titulescu” Faculty of Law at the University of Craiova, and attended an introductory course in European law at the University of Tilburg in the Netherlands in September 1994, according to his CV.
His doctoral work, completed in 2009, focused on “Evidence system in civil proceedings” at the university of Craiova’s law faculty. He also obtained a graduation certificate from the Department for Teaching Staff Training at “Titu Maiorescu” University in Bucharest that same year.
Professionally, Marinescu represented businessman Mihai Bizu in a 2021-2023 trial involving accusations of attempted murder, where Bizu allegedly attacked his wife in a jacuzzi while witnesses intervened, according to Ziare.com.He also handled legal matters related to a dispute between Craiova City Hall and Adrian Mititelu’s football team. Furthermore, in 2016, he represented Olguța Vasilescu when she was detained by prosecutors from the National Anticorruption directorate.
