At the 2025 Alianta Gala, the International Public Service Award honors Cătălin Predoiu, Deputy Prime Minister of Romania, for his lifelong dedication to good governance, justice reform, and Romania’s enduring partnership with the United States. Across three decades in public life, Predoiu has demonstrated that principled leadership and legal precision can strengthen a democracy from its foundation upward.
A Career Built on the Rule of Law
Trained as a lawyer, Predoiu rose through the legal ranks with a rare combination of technical mastery and civic conviction. As Minister of Justice, he oversaw the modernization of Romania’s judiciary, aligning it with European standards of transparency and independence. These reforms reinforced public confidence in the rule of law and helped secure Romania’s credibility within the European Union.
Predoiu has long argued that democracy must be defended through institutions, not slogans. Under his leadership, Romania introduced digital court management systems, strengthened anti-corruption mechanisms, and improved access to justice—advances that continue to anchor the nation’s democratic progress.
A Bridge Between Romania and Its Allies
As Deputy Prime Minister, Predoiu has consistently advocated for transatlantic collaboration in governance and security. His commitment to Euro-Atlantic values reflects Romania’s identity as both European and steadfastly allied with the United States. Through his diplomatic engagements, he has elevated Romania’s voice within the EU while reinforcing its position as a stable and principled partner in the Black Sea region.
Predoiu’s emphasis on accountability, transparency, and judicial independence has made him a reliable interlocutor for international partners and a stabilizing force at home. His calm, disciplined leadership style has earned respect across political divides.
Leadership in Action
Predoiu’s influence extends beyond policy. He has mentored countless civil servants and legal professionals, shaping a new generation of public leaders grounded in ethics and service. His pragmatic, nonpartisan approach reflects his belief that public office is a vocation of duty, not ambition.
Through multiple administrations and shifting political climates, Predoiu has remained consistent—a steward of reform and a guardian of democratic integrity. His longevity in leadership, marked by quiet persistence rather than rhetoric, underscores his lasting contribution to the health of Romania’s institutions.
Alianta’s Recognition
Alianta honors Cătălin Predoiu for embodying the principles that unite Romania and the United States: integrity, justice, and the rule of law. His career reminds us that true reform is patient work—the daily, disciplined effort to ensure fairness and trust in public life.
As Romania continues to navigate the challenges of modernization and global partnership, Predoiu’s example offers a model of steady, principled leadership—an enduring affirmation that democracy’s greatest strength lies in those who serve it faithfully.
