PSD MP Marius Budai declared on Friday that it is „outrageous” that young Romanians go to work abroad, while employers oppose the increase in the minimum wage, instead asking the Government to increase the number of work permits for Asian workers.

„It is outrageous that our young people are going to work abroad, while employers oppose the increase in the minimum wage, instead asking the Government to increase the number of work permits for Asian workers. How is this possible? You complain to the Government that it is a difficult economic situation and you cannot maintain jobs if the minimum wage is increased, but then you come through the back door and ask for more workers from outside the EU, willing to work for miserable wages? This is a completely duplicitous approach! Are you not interested in ensuring decent wages and working conditions for young Romanians, because you are counting on foreign workers from very poor countries?!” Budai wrote on Facebook.

He added that he has nothing against Asian workers and that, on the contrary, he respects their desire to work.

„I have nothing against these people – on the contrary, I respect their desire to work. But is this what we want for Romania?! An impoverished society, with people from outside, instead of increasing the prosperity of our citizens? Mr. Prime Minister Bolojan, stop with this charade! I remind you of your own statements: ‘If we want our young people to stop going abroad, they must have better earning opportunities in Romania’. How do you do this? By freezing the minimum wage on the idea that if young Romanians leave, we will replace them with Asians? Do you really care about our young people? Then respect European legislation! Ensure better earnings in Romania, as you promised! Increase the minimum wage, as the law and your own promises from the electoral campaign oblige you to do,” Marius Budai said.AGERPRES