Băsescu Praises PM Bolojan's Cost Cuts, Criticizes New Taxes and President Dan's Claims

Former Romanian President Traian Băsescu has softened his stance on Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, now commending his efforts to reduce state spending and the budget deficit. However, Băsescu sharply criticized the government's decision to introduce supplementary taxes, deeming it a significant misstep.

"Ultimately, I badmouthed Bolojan. He did well with cost reduction. He made a big mistake by introducing additional taxes in the economy. But he achieved the objective of reducing the deficit by a percentage of GDP," Băsescu stated during a television appearance on Sunday. He believes this deficit reduction was crucial in preventing Romania from being downgraded by international credit rating agencies.

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Ultimately, I badmouthed Bolojan. He did well with cost reduction. He made a big mistake by introducing additional taxes in the economy. But he achieved the objective of reducing the deficit by a percentage of GDP.

Băsescu leveled strong accusations against President Nicușor Dan, alleging that Dan did not support Bolojan's austerity measures but later claimed credit when Moody's decided to maintain Romania's credit rating. "This is where I really found something wrong with his character. After the president didn't help Bolojan at all when he announced the measures, when he found out Moody's didn't downgrade us, he came out saying: 'We passed successfully,' as if he had done something," Băsescu asserted.

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This is where I really found something wrong with his character. After the president didn't help Bolojan at all when he announced the measures, when he found out Moody's didn't downgrade us, he came out saying: 'We passed successfully,' as if he had done something.

He insisted that Dan did nothing to contribute to the positive rating outcome and was merely attempting to usurp credit from Bolojan. Băsescu attributed the success in reducing the deficit primarily to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, stating, "Here it was Bolojan with the Minister of Finance."

This revised position from Băsescu marks a shift from his more critical remarks in late July, when he urged Bolojan to re-establish the governing alliance with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) to avoid political deadlock and ensure stability. At that time, Băsescu argued that the PSD and the National Liberal Party (PNL) should bear responsibility for the country's economic situation, given their long history of governing together.

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Here it was Bolojan with the Minister of Finance.