Traian Băsescu: “If I were in the Government, tomorrow I would cancel all bonuses”

Former President Traian Băsescu criticized the government’s handling of the budget deficit during a broadcast on România TV, arguing that spending-cutting measures should have begun “with the state’s own apparatus.”

Băsescu said that, if he were in government, he would immediately cancel all allowances, arguing that the state’s duty is to provide salaries, not additional benefits he considers unjustified. He said liberal Ilie Bolojan had taken the wrong approach to the issue.

The former head of state warned that Romania is in a difficult financial situation, as interest payments on loans are approaching 60 billion lei and are expected to increase next year. In his view, the deficit accumulated through salary, pension and allowance increases will have to be borne by the population and politicians through compromise measures.

Băsescu argued that, without rapid decisions, the government could consider selling important assets such as the Port of Constanța, hydropower plants or Cernavodă. He also referred to Greece, where the port of Thessaloniki was bought by Chinese investors, and called for solidarity from the population.