Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan delivered a harsh speech in Parliament on Tuesday before the vote of no confidence against the Government he leads, defending the measures taken in the last 10 months and criticizing both the PSD and AUR.
The Head of the Executive stated that he took over a difficult economic situation and warned that a potential change of government would affect Romania’s credibility.
"I Came to Do What Is Necessary, Not What Is Popular"
Ilie Bolojan explained that he took on the role of prime minister in a complicated moment, with the objective of correcting economic imbalances.
"Ten months ago, I accepted this position and came into a difficult situation to do what is necessary, not what is popular and what is required," the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasized that Romania had, at the end of 2024, "the highest deficit in the European Union, 9.3% of GDP," adding that "I did not create it, I found it, and I could not hide it."
Direct Attack on PSD: "Where Have You Been Until Now?"
The Prime Minister strongly criticized the PSD for supporting the vote of no confidence, even though the party was in power.
"If the motion is true, where have you been until now? Weren't you in the government? If it's not true, I would be ashamed to sign something like that," Bolojan said.
He accused the social democrats of preferring "to occupy only the positions and take advantage of the benefits of governance," without taking responsibility for difficult decisions.
"We Lowered the Deficit and Regained Market Confidence"
The Prime Minister presented the main results of his government, stating that the economic direction was correct.
"We lowered the deficit to 7.9% of GDP. The most important thing, we regained the confidence of the markets in the Romanian Government," he affirmed.
Bolojan also mentioned the increase in state revenues and high investments: "This year's investments amount to 165 billion. Of course, an important component is the European funds. But they represent 8% of GDP. And it's not easy to do this when you also have to reduce the deficit. And you know this when you look at the numbers."
Sensitive Reforms: Special Pensions and Expense Reduction
The Head of the Executive invoked politically difficult reforms, including in the area of magistrates' pensions.
"Retirement at 65, not at 48 or 50. A cap on pensions of 70%. Everyone was asking for it. But no government tackled this issue," Bolojan said.
He added that bonuses and personnel expenses were reduced, mentioning a decrease of about 5%.
"The Motion Is Deceitful, Cynical, and Artificial"
The Prime Minister rejected the accusations in the motion, which he described in harsh terms. "This motion is deceitful. It is cynical and artificial," he stated.
Bolojan argued that the document "relies on data that are not real" and does not take into account the economic and geopolitical context.
Criticism of "Local Barons" and Waste in State Companies
A central point of the speech was the attack on how public resources were managed.
"Some have the mentality that if there are bosses in their county, that should also happen at the country level. That's how it was in other governments, but it didn't work this time," the Prime Minister said.
He criticized discretionary funding and projects without coverage: "Some have gotten used to using the state budget as a piggy bank. That didn't work anymore."
Message about Tough Measures: "There Is No Deficit Correction Without Effort"
Bolojan conveyed that difficult economic measures are inevitable. "Nowhere in the world has a deficit correction been seen without economic constraints, without effort. There is no such thing anywhere. But you will have the opportunity, perhaps, to demonstrate how you will do everything without bothering anyone. You tried that in 2024 and it didn't work," the Prime Minister asserted.
He thanked the Romanians for their support during this period and criticized politicians who, in his opinion, do not feel the real difficulties.
Warning: "Romanians Will Lose"
The Prime Minister questioned the opposition's plan for the period after a potential fall of the Government.
"Can anyone say how Romania will function tomorrow? Do you have a plan? I can leave, but the serious problems of this country remain. They do not leave with me. We risk losing credibility, losing money from the PNRR," Bolojan added.
He warned that beyond political calculations, the effects will be felt by the population: "I don't know who will gain politically from what is happening, but I know for sure that Romanians will lose."
"I Will Not Compromise on the Values I Believe In"
In conclusion, Bolojan stated that he will continue to support the reforms, regardless of the outcome of the vote.
"Regardless of the result of this motion, I assure you that I will not compromise on the values I have fought for in these years and that I have respected throughout my political life," the Prime Minister said.
He concluded by thanking the Romanians and reaffirming his commitment to a "modern Romania" and improving the quality of life. "Thank you for the support I have received in these days, it honors me, motivates me, and I know because I have something to fight for. God bless Romania," Bolojan concluded.