49 Romania Romanian Ombudsman (People’s advocate) – aside from the ombudsman there is a staff of approximately 99 officers The term of office is four years, renewable only once. members present, provided that exceeds an absolute majority of members in effectiveness functions. The People’s Advocate Institution is an autonomous public authority, independent of any public authority and and promote the rights, freedom and legitimate interests of citizens by ensuring, through informal means, justice and legality of the exercise of public authority – this includes policing and the wider criminal justice system. The main duties of the People’s Advocate include, the settlement of petitions/complaints; working on issues that may be constitutionally contentious; notify the It may carry out all investigations and inquiries it deems necessary or appropriate; may search, in collaboration with the competent organs and services, the most appropriate solutions to the protection of the legitimate interests of citizens and the improvement of administrative action. relevant bodies with a view to correcting illegal or unfair acts of public authorities and improving its services (administrative recommendations). If the administration does not act in accordance with its recommendations, or if it refuses to provide the requested cooperation, the Ombudsman may address the Parliament, giving the reasons for its statement or in the case of municipalities premises, respective deliberative assemblies; Founded by the Constitution of 1991, reviewed in 2003, the People’s Advocate Institution has as main role the defence of the individuals’ rights and liberties practice in the performance of their duties