Recognizing Romania’s growing rule of law crisis, the U.S. should sanction Romanian politicians known to be corrupt. This action would represent a calibrated step to stand with Romanians as they demand a more honest democracy.

The need is real. Facing the Romanian government’s recent firing of an anti-corruption prosecutor, tens of thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets demanding reform. One top concern is the government’s dismissal of Laura Codruța Kövesi in July. A young and energetic prosecutor who made her name taking down Romania’s entrenched kleptocratic class, Kövesi threatened the old order of cronyism and corruption. Until she was forced to step down, the prosecutor was a much-needed example of change.