Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Weekly Digest – Volume 104

104th PEP Weekly Digest:

Introducing the 104th edition of The PEP Weekly Digest, where we present to you the most recent updates and news on the global political stage.

Recent and upcoming elections influence the worldwide political landscape in eight nations, slated between May 18, 2025 and July 26, 2025. These elections hold significant importance, as they will determine the direction and governance of each respective country’s future.

Nicusor Dan Sworn In as Romania’s President, Vows Deep Reforms and National Renewal

One noteworthy event has occurred in Romania: Nicusor Dan, a pro-West centrist, was officially sworn in as Romania’s new president.

The former mayor of Bucharest won the presidential election on May 18 in a closely watched runoff, defeating right-wing populist rival George Simion with 53.6% of the vote.

Speaking during his oath-taking ceremony at the Romanian Parliament, Dan emphasized the need for a deep reform process.

“It will not be about the past, it is about the immediate future of Romania, and it is not about political calculations, it is about the national interest,” he said.

“The Romanian state needs a fundamental change.”

Highlighting the significant challenges the country faces, including a high budget deficit, Dan called for the formation of a coalition government supported by a parliamentary majority.

Elon Musk Announces Departure from Trump Administration as Special Government Employee

Shifting our focus to the United States, Elon Musk has announced on social media that he is leaving his role in the Trump administration.

“As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” the billionaire wrote on X, his social media platform.

“The DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” he said, referring to his “department of government efficiency.”

A White House official told Reuters it was accurate Musk is leaving the administration and his “off-boarding will begin tonight.”

Musk, the world’s richest person, has defended his role as an unelected official who was granted unprecedented authority by Trump to dismantle parts of the US government. His 130-day mandate as a special government employee in the Trump administration was set to expire about 30 May.

Georgia’s Interior Minister Gomelauri Resigns Amid Sanctions; Gela Geladze Named Successor

In Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Georgia’s minister of internal affairs under the incumbent Georgian Dream (GD) government, announced on the morning of May 28 that he would resign from his post. The interior ministry announced on May 28.

Gomelauri is one of the longest-serving ministers of the GD party. Over ten years he has held positions as interior minister, head of the State Security Service and vice prime minister of Georgia.

He is currently under sanctions from the UK and US under the Magnitsky act for his role in facilitating violent police crackdowns on pro-EU, anti-government protesters, opposition figures and journalists in Georgia throughout 2024.

At a briefing shortly after the outgoing minister’s announcement, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze introduced Gela Geladze, the current deputy head of Georgia’s State Security Service, as Gomelauri’s successor.

Previously, Geladze served as the deputy minister of education and deputy minister of defence.

Bank Negara Malaysia Fines BPMB and HSBC for AML and CFT Compliance Failures

In the realm of regulatory affairs, the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is fining Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), and HSBC Malaysia for non-compliance with requirements on anti-money laundering (AML) and countering financing of terrorism (CFT), amongst others.

BNM imposed a total administrative monetary penalty of $116,000 (MYR 493,500) on BPMB for non-compliances in relation to customer due diligence (CDD) and sanctions screening requirements.

Of this, $54,000 (MYR229,500) was due to BPMB’s non-compliance with the Development Financial Institutions Act of 2002 (DFIA), which requires banks to identify and take ‘reasonable’ measures to identify the identities of their customers.

Sri Lankan Ex Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage Sentenced for 20 years in Major Corruption Case Over Misuse of State Funds Before 2015 Election

Shifting our attention to Sri Lanka, the Colombo High Court sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for his role in a major corruption scandal that cost the Sri Lankan government over Rs. 53 million. Alongside Aluthgamage, former Trade Minister Nalin Fernando was handed a 25-year sentence, marking one of the most significant convictions of political figures in recent years.

The case, brought forward by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), centered on the alleged misuse of state funds during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election. Between September and December 2014, approximately 14,000 carrom boards and 11,000 draughts boards were imported by Sathosa, a state-owned enterprise, and distributed to sports clubs across the island – actions the court found were intended to influence voters and gain political advantage.

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