Minister of Finance, Adrian Caciu, at the "Government Hour" debates

RADIO ROMANIA NEWS - The measures envisaged in the 'Support for Romania' package give us the prospect of staying in an area of ​​economic growth similar to the initial commitments, said in the plenary of the Senate the Minister of Finance, Adrian Caciu.

He stressed that in order to have a high growth this year, it is necessary to stimulate in particular the constructio and agriculture sectors.

Present at the 'Government Hour' debates, at the invitation of USR, the Minister of Finance also mentioned that in the first quarter of 2022 more revenues were collected with over 21% more than in the same period last year, and, according to data for the first quarter, there is a 67% increase in amounts from European funds.

Reporter: Alina Stanuta - “USR Senator Anca Dragu pointed out that, although Romania's economic situation has deteriorated since the beginning of the year, due to external factors, the Minister of Finance did not take measures to prevent this situation, and Romania is borrowing today very high interest rates.

Anca Dragu: “What you could have done would have been to take countermeasures faster. The measures came too late, too little, too timid and in the form of a powerpoint. You could have been the minister who passes Romania through the energy crisis and by slowing down the pace of economic growth. You preferred to be the minister who carries out small party instructions. You forgot to increase your pensions, salaries, you did not finance the transportation of students, you did not extend the 'Hot Meal' program and many others not done."

In reply, Finance Minister Adrian Caciu explained that the projections for the first two months of this year show signs of a slight recovery of the economy and mentioned that the absorption of European funds and increased budget revenue collection were and remain priorities for the current government.

Adrian Caciu: “Romania is currently borrowing for investments - if you look at how the volume of investments in the budget is built, and, on the other hand, Romania is borrowing to pay off past debts. There was a lot of talk about lowering purchasing power. Yes, a consequence of inflation is the impairment of purchasing power, and as for the private area, we come this week with the measure we promoted through the 'Support for Romania' program, the voluntary increase of the minimum wage or the increase of 200 lei above the minimum wage, exempt from taxes."

During the debates, the PSD representatives appreciated the activity of the Minister of Finance.

PNL and UDMR leaders did not ask questions to the finance minister, while AUR senator Claudiu Tarziu blamed the current government for not returning to the regulated energy market, in order to reduce the price pressure on the population and companies."

Translated by: Radu Matei