The mayor of a commune in Bacău, Petru Iștoc, clarifies his controversial statement: "those who do not work do not eat"

Petru Iștoc, the PNL mayor of Cleja, Bacău County, sparked controversy with his statement that "those who do not work do not deserve to live." In an intervention on Antena 3 CNN, he explained that his intention was to emphasize that "those who do not work do not eat," referring to locals who refuse available jobs. Iștoc mentioned that, in discussions with citizens, many complain about the lack of employment, adding that social assistance is provided according to the law, but he emphasized that work is essential for survival. He insisted that he did not intend to offend anyone, but only wanted to encourage work.