Renowned Judge Ionela Tudor Returns to Magistracy, Entitled to Increased Pension

Judge Ionela Tudor, who gained public recognition for a memorable courtroom exchange, is set to resume her career in the Romanian judiciary. She will be assigned to the Ilfov Tribunal, marking her return after a brief retirement.

Tudor previously held a significant position as vice-president of the Bucharest Court of Appeal and headed its administrative litigation section. She retired on February 15, following a decree signed by President Nicușor Dan. However, after only five months, she submitted a request to the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) to return to active duty, a request that was subsequently approved.

Under Romanian Law 303/2022, judges who return to the magistracy are eligible for an additional 15% of their service pension. This provision applies to Tudor's return to the bench.

During her tenure, Ionela Tudor presided over notable cases, including the suspension of the analysis of former Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă's doctoral thesis due to plagiarism allegations. She cited the "need for stability in the executive leadership of the state" as justification for her decision. The judge also became widely known for an incident during a press conference on December 11, 2025, where, while her colleagues discussed revelations from a journalistic report, Tudor was seen checking her phone. She then leaned over and whispered to her colleague, "Lia called me... I have to take the call," before leaving the podium.

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M-a sunat... M-a sunat Lia, mă duc să vorbesc