Presidential advisor Radu Burnete says an administrative and territorial reform is needed, alongside a reform of political parties.
‘Romania is going through an existential crisis. Our social, economic, and political model developed after the fall of communism has exhausted its resources due to both internal and external causes. (…) However difficult it may be, we must brace ourselves and redraw some structures. An administrative and territorial reform must go hand in hand with political party reform. We need a new contract between the state and its citizens when it comes to taxation. Some adjustments are already inevitable, but we must put an end to tax evasion and the black economy,’ wrote Radu Burnete on Tuesday on his Facebook page, on his first day as Presidential Advisor for Economic and Social Affairs, a role to which he was appointed by President Nicusor Dan, effective 1 July.
He added that ‘if we want moderate taxation and a state that provides quality public services, everyone must contribute, and the state must deliver.’
‘We need more private initiative and to increase the labour force participation rate. We cannot afford to miss the revolutions brought about by artificial intelligence, whatever they may entail, and that means we must invest in education and research. We have excessively large regional disparities that must be reduced. We must play our part in the EU, without pomp or cheap nationalism. We must remain an open economy, but become more competitive. We must reduce the twin deficits because they act as obstacles. We must reduce polarisation in society and increase social cohesion. Feel free to add to this list, it could be quite a long one. Most of these things can be done. Not all, and not perfectly, but what in this world is perfect?,’ the presidential advisor wrote.
Radu Burnete mentioned that ‘during the brief transition period’ he had at Cotroceni Palace before assuming office, he was ‘reserved in making statements, but that will now change.’
‘My first official day at Cotroceni Palace. It is an honour and a great responsibility. We are living through difficult times that we will have to navigate together as a nation and community, even if we are deeply divided in our views. During the short transition period I had, I was reserved in speaking out, but that is going to change. I will participate in public debate and discourse, within the limits imposed by the institution I serve and the President I represent, to whom I am grateful for his trust. (…) I do not like extremes. The world is complicated and full of nuance. I don’t believe in simple solutions to complex problems. Almost every simplistic solution, loudly trumpeted and presented with certainty, will prove to be wrong. The problems of life, and therefore of governance, are far too complex to be solved in a few paragraphs. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t write and debate, but we need a healthy dose of scepticism and curiosity. We must acknowledge that we don’t know everything. I dislike sweeping generalisations without rigorous analysis: All civil servants are lazy and incompetent.’ There is no waste in the private sector.’ All politicians are corrupt and all businesspeople are upstanding.’ Trade unions are bad.’ Employers’ associations are good.’ Romanian research produces nothing.’ The specific is just as important as the general. One must understand when each applies,’ Radu Burnete also wrote.
AGERPRES
