Băsescu blames Nicușor Dan for what is happening with the salary law. "He called the parties to Cotroceni in vain"

Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu has placed the blame for the impasse surrounding the national salary law squarely on President Nicușor Dan. Băsescu contends that Dan's public declaration against promulgating the law if it entails salary reductions has effectively stalled any potential progress, making further efforts futile.

"As long as the president has already issued a point of view, that he will not promulgate this law if it represents a salary reduction, it has become clear to everyone that they are wasting their time trying to reach a result," Băsescu stated, emphasizing that this stance is also noted in Brussels. He believes this declaration will prevent Romania from meeting the fiscal requirements necessary to avoid an excessive deficit, a key condition under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (PNRR).

Băsescu further elaborated on the consequences of failing to meet PNRR milestones, comparing it to exceeding the budget deficit limit. He explained that such failures necessitate a recovery plan negotiated with the European Commission and approved by the EU finance ministers. He dismissed the idea that any individual could unilaterally alter these parameters, stating they are established by the ECOFIN Council.

The former president criticized President Dan's recent consultations with political parties at Cotroceni Palace. Băsescu suggested that Dan's actions were a strategic move to absolve the parties of responsibility for failing to meet the PNRR milestone, thereby potentially jeopardizing access to EU funds. He asserted that Dan gave the parties exactly what they wanted to hear – an excuse for inaction.