The issues raised by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) have been reviewed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and solutions are being sought, Daniel Fenechiu, leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL) senators, said on Monday, adding that he believes that Ilie Bolojan and PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu will reach an agreement on the second package of fiscal-budgetary measures.
„PSD raised issues mainly related to administrative reform and the ‘Anghel Saligny’ program. These were analyzed by the prime minister, and solutions are being sought. No one wants to block ‘Anghel Saligny,’ no one wants to halt important infrastructure projects. Given budgetary constraints, the projects must move forward. Everything requested by PSD is being examined, and I believe that ultimately, Bolojan and Grindeanu will agree on Package 2, because I assume that the issue of magistrates’ pensions and retirement conditions is a matter that concerns all of Romania, and every party has expressed its position. Regarding state and local public administration reform, central public administration reform, and some personnel reductions – given that we have an extremely large administrative apparatus – I believe there is a consensus. (…) There are disagreements, but they will be overcome, because if you truly want to solve the problem, you have to move past the small differences that separate you,” Fenechiu said at the Senate.
According to him, the reform primarily aims to reduce the budget deficit, and every month that passes simply maintains expenditures and prevents cuts.
„We are pleased that PSD is returning to a more cooperative stance. We understand that there is an internal electoral struggle within PSD, that a leadership contest is upcoming, and that positioning in front of party members requires certain measures that look good politically. But we believe the most important thing is Romania’s interest – to stay within the deficit target the Government has committed to. Ilie Bolojan, our leader, has also stated that when you take on political responsibility, you must subordinate yourself to the country, not to party interests. (…),” the liberal senator added.
He also noted that the „disruption” is being felt everywhere – among PNL, UDMR, USR, and PSD mayors alike – because reducing the administrative apparatus inevitably „upsets some people.”
„From this perspective, it’s simply about assuming responsibility and accepting the consequences, because if you want to implement a reform, there is no other way. I believe that when the four parties decided to implement a project for Romania to reduce the budget deficit and reorganize the administrative apparatus, this cannot be fully achieved before September. I think this Government has a chance to last not only until September, but for a considerably longer period. (…) There is a dispute between PSD and USR, including over the number of people who submitted their CVs for corporate governance positions. Surely, the truth is always somewhere in the middle – good people must be selected, and the situation should be analyzed case by case,” Daniel Fenechiu said.
AGERPRES
