Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu compares Romania’s current situation to „a ship in the middle of a stormy sea with a fire on board,” while some of those in power are more concerned with image rather than solutions.
The official described a lack of coordination and responsibility in crisis management, stating that not all those „on board” are acting to solve real problems.
"Romania is now like a ship in the middle of a stormy sea with a fire on board, and it seems that not everyone on board is focused on extinguishing the fire, but rather on how to look good in a photo or how to wrestle the storm from the hands of those trying to put out the fire," said Oana Gheorghiu on Wednesday at The Economist's conference.
"Lack of political will for reforms"
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Romania has the necessary resources to implement reforms, but the major issue remains the political will.
"We need to implement the reform and here political will is essential. We are facing a constant political crisis," she said.
She warned that citizens no longer accept promises without substance and demand concrete results.
Pressure must come from society
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, change can also come from public pressure exerted on the political class.
"People are no longer satisfied with words, they no longer settle for a kilogram of sugar before elections. They want decent public services, clean water, roads, and a good education system," Gheorghiu pointed out.
In her opinion, even though "there is a bit of a lack of political will," society has the capacity to force the necessary reforms to be carried out.