Ionuț Stroe, caught at a beauty salon: The parliamentarian skipped the meeting of the Chamber of Deputies

Update

Ionuț Stroe, reaction after being caught at a beauty salon: “I was at Parliament, please check”

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe defended himself against accusations of skipping the plenary session, explaining on Antena 3 that he had been at a beauty salon before the meeting started, with the appointment scheduled for 9:00 AM and arriving at Parliament at 9:30 AM. ^[2]

When asked about the quality of the services, Ionuț Stroe commented on the consistency of the experience: “Good, thank you, as always. I’m consistent when it comes to services. I only go to people I trust.” ^[2]

Stroe argued that the manicure procedure is different for men, explaining that the service was completed in a short amount of time. The parliamentarian requested verification of the electronic voting system and cameras to confirm his physical presence at work. ^[2]

The deputy stated that choosing where to get personal care is an individual freedom, rejecting criticism as based on a “false idea” and reaffirming his presence at legislative activities. ^[2]

The incident comes almost a year after the scandal of May 2020, when Stroe, then Minister of Youth and Sports, was caught in his underwear during a live broadcast, marking another moment of tension between the politician and public opinion regarding his public image. ^[2]

Ionuț Stroe’s personal life was previously the subject of discussions about wealth, with journalists noting large sums received at his wedding (approximately 250,000 euros) and at the christening of his third child (over 100,000 euros), contrasting with his public declarations about lacking wealth. ^[2]

The cost of such a manicure session at the salon visited by liberals is estimated at approximately 300 lei, an amount that excludes tips. ^[2]

The politician is married to Andra Sabrina Pleșa, the stepdaughter of former Interior Minister Marcel Vela. ^[2]

The beauty salon where the parliamentarian was caught is located on Calea Moșilor in Bucharest. ^[2]

The event generated intense media reaction, with publications such as Gândul and Antena 3 CNN analyzing the conflicts between legislative obligations and the PNL deputy’s personal appointments. ^[2]

The deputy did not discuss financial aspects or the context of his political relationship, limiting himself to explanations about his presence at Parliament and his personal hygiene preferences. ^[2]

Update

Ionuț Stroe rejects absenteeism accusations at Parliament, intends to sue media sources

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe contested accusations that he had skipped the Chamber of Deputies work sessions on November 4, 2026, labeling information about his presence at a beauty salon as “distorted.” The politician sent the message to the Adevărul editorial team, in the context where Gândul had caught him visiting such a place on Calea Moșilor in Bucharest during the legislative session. ^[3]

The Gândul publication details that the beauty salon is situated on Calea Moșilor, and the cost of the manicure service is estimated at approximately 300 lei, an amount that does not include tips. ^[3]

Ionuț Stroe maintained that he actually participated in the plenary session on November 4, stating that he voted electronically and intervened in debates. The parliamentarian specified that his appointment at the salon was at 09:00 and that he resumed his legislative activity at 09:30. ^[3]

According to statements made to the press, Stroe announced that he would sue those considered responsible for publishing information regarding his salon visit, accusing the media of distorting reality regarding his absence from work. ^[3]

The deputy’s physical presence at the Chamber of Deputies on that day was corroborated by official records of electronic votes, published on the institution’s legislative portal. ^[3]

Springing from the principle of personal autonomy, Stroe justified his visit to the beauty salon by invoking the fundamental right of every person to manage their own hygiene and personal appearance, independent of the institutional schedule. ^[3]

Ionuț Stroe, PNL deputy from Bucharest, also holds the position of President of the Romanian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). He served as Minister of Youth and Sports between November 4, 2019, and November 25, 2021, in the Ludovic Orban Government. ^[3]

A permanent member of the Romanian delegation to PACE since 2009, with the exception of the period 2020-2021, Ionuț Stroe was elected in 2017 president of the Committee for Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development. ^[3]

Update

Ionuț Stroe, caught getting a manicure during a parliamentary session: “I entered Parliament at 9:30”

According to Cotidianul.ro, PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe was photographed on Wednesday, November 4, at a beauty salon in Bucharest, close to the start time of the Chamber of Deputies session. The liberal insists that he did not skip work, specifying that he arrived at the salon at 09:00 and entered Parliament at 09:30. ^[4]

Ionuț Stroe explained his personal grooming preferences to Cotidianul.ro: “I only go to people I trust.” The politician reiterated that he has frequented the same salon for a long time. ^[4]

Asked if he was satisfied with the manicure, the liberal deputy confirmed that he is a loyal customer of the salon, justifying his choice through the necessity of trusting the service provided. ^[4]

“Good, thank you, as always. I’m consistent when it comes to services. I only go to people I trust,” Ionuț Stroe said during the “Decisiv” program cited by Cotidianul. ^[4]

The deputy assured that the visit to the salon did not affect the legislative schedule. He specified that the manicure procedure lasts at most half an hour. ^[4]

“I went at 9:00 in the morning, at 9:30 I was in Parliament,” the liberal emphasized, highlighting the short time distance between the two activities. ^[4]

Regarding the duration of the procedure, Stroe stated that manicures are faster for men compared to women. ^[4]

“Yes. There is a very big difference between a woman’s manicure and a man’s manicure,” the deputy explained. ^[4]

PNL deputy asked for verification of his physical presence at Parliament, suggesting access to video recordings or entry data. ^[4]

Ionuț Stroe rejected accusations of absenteeism from work, citing the electronic voting system as proof of his parliamentary activity. The liberal invoked his right to personal autonomy. ^[4]

“There is an electronic voting system. You can check at Parliament, if you don’t believe me,” Ionuț Stroe declared, inviting opponents to request verification of the data. ^[4]

The deputy maintained that any citizen is free to manage their personal hygiene, as long as this does not interfere with the work schedule. ^[4]

“Any person is free to ensure their personal hygiene wherever they want. I was present there, at Parliament,” the liberal stated. ^[4]

Stroe insisted that he did not delay in parliamentary activities and called on proponents of conspiracy theories to check surveillance footage. ^[4]

“Get rid of a false idea. I was at Parliament, you can see the time I arrived. Please check the cameras,” the PNL deputy added. ^[4]

Update

Ionuț Stroe threatens to sue the press after the manicure surprise: “I have already acted with lawyers”

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe threatens to sue journalists who published images of him at a nail salon, claiming defamation. The reaction came on Antena 3 CNN, Thursday, November 5, shortly after Gândul published the exclusive story where Stroe was caught at the salon at the time of the Chamber of Deputies plenary session. Ionuț Stroe refused to confirm the exact time of his arrival at Parliament, but explained that he submitted a request to the General Secretariat of the Chamber of Deputies to officially obtain these data. He will provide the public with the time of entering the building, vehicle access, and attendance registration in the electronic system. A concise title or relevant description cannot be obtained without combining information from other sections of existing sources. The deputy insisted that all initial information about absence is erroneous and will challenge them in court. He recalled that Chamber of Deputies work began at 10:00 and promised to deliver evidence regarding the time of his entry, invoking responsibility for defamation of public figures. Stroe mentioned that his lawyers know whom he will sue in court, emphasizing the moral and legal responsibility associated with the manner in which the photographs were taken, without his consent. He added that he will identify the person who took the picture and looked him in the eye. In response to absence accusations, Stroe explained that he was present at Parliament, and defamation lies in the distribution of the images. He promised disclosure of building entry data and vehicle access, wishing to clarify the context of work in the plenary session. He rejected the idea of having been absent, emphasizing that defamation is the main problem. He added that he will ask investigative bodies and courts to identify the person who photographed him, to protect his public reputation. The PNL deputy reiterated plans to sue for defamation and mentioned that you will find out the location and time when the image was created. He confirmed that debates in the plenary officially began at 10:00. He urged critics to check concrete evidence regarding the work schedule and his presence at the meeting, mentioning that the responsibility for defamation belongs to the legal domain, not the realm of opinions. He stated that he is not in a hurry to finalize cases but wants public correction of errors. He recalled that he did not miss the Chamber of Deputies and that he can prove these aspects with official documents. Ionuț Stroe mentioned that the photo was taken by a politician, outside working hours. He indicated that the salon is in the Rosetti area, 15 minutes from the United Nations Boulevard. The deputy specified that he will publicly announce the launch time of the legal action. He discussed the importance of the right to privacy and how the images were perceived as defamatory. Stroe emphasized the responsibility of his lawyers in the legal actions to be initiated, confirming that the lawyers know whom he will pursue in court. He mentioned that defamation of public figures entails legal responsibility. The passage refers to the availability of initially published information, without bringing significant new journalistic details compared to previous articles. This mention does not justify distinct editorial contribution in the absence of additional details. Ionuț Stroe stated that all absence accusations are false and that he will correct errors in court, declaring that he will make public data regarding his physical presence in the plenary hall. He insisted on the need to check surveillance cameras and records at Parliament, which can show at what time he arrived at the legislative building. The deputy reaffirmed that it is not his fault that information is presented incorrectly, emphasizing that responsible press should verify official data before making accusations. He indicated that any citizen has the right to decide where to ensure personal hygiene, insofar as it does not interfere with the work schedule. He affirmed that he was present in Parliament and is ready to prove his presence. The passage highlights personal autonomy, interpreted by Stroe as the right to care for his appearance, regardless of public opinion. This perspective completes the legal and moral aspect of his reaction. ^[5]

Update

Ionuț Stroe, caught getting a manicure, contradicts himself regarding arrival times at Parliament

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe contradicts his public statements regarding arrival times at Parliament, after being caught on Wednesday, November 4, at a beauty salon in Bucharest, while attending a manicure session. Initially, Stroe stated live on Antena 3 CNN that he arrived at the salon at 09:00 and entered Parliament at 09:30. Later, on his Facebook page, the politician claimed that “at 10:16 he was in the plenary hall and registering his physical presence,” contradicting the earlier version. ^[6]

In a post published on Thursday, November 5, Ionuț Stroe claims that the photos catching him at the salon were taken by an AUR senator “around 09:25,” at which moment he was still at the salon. The politician mentions that there are video proofs demonstrating this aspect and that the moment of photography took place “OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS.” ^[6]

Ionuț Stroe presents a detailed version of the event, stating that the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies started at 10:04 (not 10:00, as initially believed) and that he effectively entered the hall at 10:16. These dates are presented by the politician as evidence of his presence at work, although the image with the manicure was published before this time. ^[6]

The deputy rejects accusations of absenteeism from work, labeling the media as aggressors. “FALSE. And I will prove it with official documents. Yesterday I was the target of media lynching. Some sites and television channels broadcast photos of me, claiming that I ‘skipped’ Parliament, most without asking for my point of view before publication,” Stroe wrote. ^[6]

Stroe insists that legislative activity officially started at 10:04, details that can be verified on public records. This temporal clarification attempts to reconcile the session start time with later moments of physical presence. ^[6]

In the Facebook text, the politician emphasizes: “The moment in the photos is OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS. I participated in the plenary and all parliamentary activities yesterday with a 12-minute delay (!!!)” He justifies the salon visit as a personal necessity independent of the political schedule. ^[6]

Ionuț Stroe threatens to sue Gândul and all press that distributed the images, declaring that “I have already spoken with lawyers.” He considers defamation a serious problem and that the press did not behave responsibly. ^[6]

The declarations of legal silence were made public a few hours before posting on Facebook, live on Antena 3 CNN. The politician repeated the threat of lawsuits. ^[6]

“I will take legal action against everyone who promotes defamatory images and lies. I will address both investigative bodies and courts to identify the person who took the photo and who looked me in the eye.” ^[6]

Ionuț Stroe explained on Antena 3 CNN that his lawyers know whom they will sue, emphasizing moral and legal responsibility for photos taken “without my consent” and for subsequent defamation. There is liability for promoting and defaming public figures. ^[6]

To avoid any doubt, Stroe officially requests from the General Secretary of the Chamber of Deputies precise data: the time of entry into Parliament, the time of presence registration, and the times of votes. He promises to provide this data to the public as soon as he receives it. ^[6]

Ionuț Stroe attacks the behavior of an individual from AUR, who allegedly photographed the defamatory image. He claims the lack of the right to reply offered by most of the press, affirming that only one media group gave him the opportunity to respond. ^[6]

The deputy informs the public that he will address competent authorities regarding all those who produced, interpreted, and distributed the images. The message is clear: defamation will be combated in court. ^[6]

Journalistic analysis reveals a major inconsistency: the version confirmed initially live on Antena 3 (“I was in Parliament at 09:30”) contradicts the new data on Facebook (10:16). This narrative shift in less than 24 hours is interpreted as an attempt to adapt reality to material evidence. ^[6]

On the evening of Wednesday, November 4, Stroe stated “I went at 09:00 in the morning (n.r. – for a manicure), at 09:30 I was in Parliament.” This is the most incriminating testimony, suggesting that he might have left Parliament to go to the salon or that he was absent during the period 09:00-10:00. ^[6]

Update

Ionuț Stroe acknowledges a 12-minute delay at Parliament

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe returned on Thursday with new explanations after being photographed on Wednesday morning at a nail salon in Bucharest. The parliamentarian claims that the images were taken outside working hours and that he participated in the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies, but admits arriving 12 minutes late. ^[7]

According to Gândul, the publication that presented the photographs exclusively, the declarations made by Stroe on Wednesday evening differ from the explanations offered on Thursday. ^[7]

From presence at Parliament at 09:30 to a 12-minute delay ^[7]

Wednesday evening, during an intervention on Antena 3 CNN, Ionuț Stroe stated that he went for a manicure at 09:00 and that, half an hour later, he was already in Parliament. ^[7]

“I went at 09:00 in the morning, at 09:30 I was in Parliament,” asserted the PNL deputy. ^[7]

Thursday, in a Facebook post, the parliamentarian presented a more detailed chronology. According to him, the photos were taken around 09:25, the plenary session started at 10:04, and he registered his presence at 10:16. ^[7]

“The moment in the photos is outside working hours. I participated in the plenary and all parliamentary activities yesterday with a 12-minute delay,” Stroe wrote. ^[7]

Gândul points out that in his first reaction, Stroe claimed he was not late for the plenary session, while on Thursday he acknowledged a 12-minute delay. ^[7]

The deputy claims to be a victim of media lynching ^[7]

In the same post, Ionuț Stroe accuses the press of falsely presenting his absence from the plenary session. ^[7]

“Yesterday I was the target of a media lynching. Some sites and TV stations broadcast photos of me, claiming that I ‘skipped’ Parliament, most without asking for my viewpoint before publication,” the liberal wrote. ^[7]

Stroe maintains that the photos were taken by an AUR senator and that there are video records that would demonstrate this. ^[7]

The deputy announced that he requested from the General Secretary of the Chamber of Deputies official information regarding the time of his entry into Parliament, the moment of presence registration, and the times at which he participated in plenary votes. ^[7]

He promised to make the documents public after receiving them. ^[7]

Ionuț Stroe threatens the press with legal action ^[7]

Thursday, during a new intervention on Antena 3 CNN, the PNL deputy announced that he intends to sue those who produced and distributed the photographs. ^[7]

“I will take legal action against everyone who promotes defamatory images and lies. I will address both investigative bodies and courts to identify the person who took the photo and who looked me in the eye,” Stroe declared, according to the cited source. ^[7]

“There is liability for these photos, the way they were taken, without my consent. There is liability for the promotion and defamation of public figures,” the deputy added. ^[7]

In the Facebook post, Stroe reiterated his intention to notify authorities. “I publicly transmit that I will address competent authorities regarding all those who produced, interpreted, and distributed these images,” the liberal transmitted. ^[7]

Update

Ionuț Stroe acknowledges a 12-minute delay at Plenary after manicure

PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe admitted on Thursday that he was 12 minutes late for the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies on November 4, 2026, after being caught by the Gândul newspaper at a beauty salon in Bucharest, on Calea Moșilor, during a manicure session. The liberal stated that he was photographed by an AUR senator around 09:25, at which moment he was still at the salon, and accused the party of having publicly reprimanded him for a period outside working hours. ^[8]

The cost of such a manicure service at the salon frequented by liberals is estimated at approximately 300 lei, excluding tips. Stroe specified that he sat at the salon for 30 minutes before work started and insisted that the procedure is quick for men, but later admitted that, although he participated in the plenary and all parliamentary activities, he recorded a 12-minute delay from the official start time of the session. ^[8]

During his reaction, the deputy invoked the electronic voting system as proof of his legislative activity: “There is an electronic voting system. You can check at Parliament, if you don’t believe me,” Stroe declared on Wednesday evening on Antena 3 CNN, requesting verification of cameras and entry data to refute those accusing him of absence or “skipping” work. ^[8]

In a Facebook post, Ionuț Stroe presented a detailed chronology of the event: he was photographed around 09:25, and the plenary session for debating items on the agenda started at 10:04. He claimed that at 10:16 he was physically registering his presence in the official electronic system and that the moment of photography was “OUTSIDE WORKING HOURS,” interpreting the delay as a minor deviation from the strict work schedule. ^[8]

The parliamentarian declared himself a victim of “media lynching,” accusing the press of distributing photographs without granting him the right to reply and presenting the accusation of “skipping” work as false news originating from an individual at AUR. He emphasized that only one media group offered him the opportunity to respond, while the rest of the press multiplied the disparagement. ^[8]

To eliminate any doubt and to use evidence in legal proceedings, Ionuț Stroe officially requested from the General Secretary of the Chamber of Deputies data from the institution’s systems, including the time of entry into Parliament, the time of presence registration, and the times of votes. He also mentioned the existence of video recordings from the area of the salon, officially requested, and invoked witnesses who were present at the moment of the incident. ^[8]

The deputy announced on Antena 3 CNN that he intends to sue all those who promote defamatory images and lies. He reiterated that the salon where he was caught is near Parliament and that he was outside working hours, asserting that the photograph constituted a violation of the right to privacy and that the distribution of images without consent entails legal liability. ^[8]

Ionuț Stroe promised to make available to the public the time of entry into the Palace of the Parliament, the time of vehicle access, and the time of registration in the electronic regime. “I thought this matter had been cleared up since yesterday. I will address the courts,” the liberal declared, requesting the publication of official data as soon as they are obtained. ^[8]

Update

Contradictions in Ionuț Stroe's statements regarding presence at Parliament

After being photographed at a nail salon in Bucharest, PNL deputy Ionuț Stroe offered contradictory explanations regarding his presence in Parliament on Wednesday, November 4. ^[9]

Ionuț Stroe is a PNL deputy from Bucharest, former party spokesperson, President of the Romanian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and President of the Committee for Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development. He held the position of Minister of Youth and Sports between November 4, 2019, and November 25, 2021, in the Ludovic Orban Government. ^[9]

In the past, Ionuț Stroe was caught in a relaxed position: in 2021, while he was Minister of Sports, he appeared in a TV interview wearing only briefs, a moment that went viral and over which the politician later tried to joke. ^[9]