Romania’s defence minister steps down over false CV claims

Romania’s Defence Minister, Ionuț Moșteanu, has resigned after admitting that he made false claims about his academic background in his official CV — the second recent change in defence leadership within a NATO member state bordering Russia.

In a statement, Mr Moșteanu said he did not want questions over his education “to distract” from Romania’s security responsibilities. “Romania and Europe are under attack from Russia. Our national security must be defended at all costs,” he added.

Local media reports suggest Mr Moșteanu’s resume incorrectly stated that he had graduated from Bucharest’s Athenaeum University and listed studies at the Polytechnic University’s Faculty of Automation, despite not completing the programme.

His departure comes only weeks after Lithuania removed its defence minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, following a dispute over military spending, amid heightened concern across Europe about Russian hybrid threats.

Romania’s government said Economy Minister Radu Miruță will assume the defence portfolio on an interim basis.cet