Deputy Premier Accuses PSD-AUR Motion of Being Based on Lies, Denies Plan to Sell State Companies

Adevărul reports that Deputy Prime Minister Oana Gheorghiu has strongly refuted accusations leveled by the PSD and AUR parties regarding the government's alleged intention to sell state-owned companies. The opposition's no-confidence motion claims the government aims to privatize these entities to cover political failures. Gheorghiu, however, asserts that the documents forming the basis of these accusations are publicly available lists of potential options, not a finalized privatization plan.

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It is proof that this motion is a lie because you had access to documents - a list put on the discussion table, if we wanted to sell something we wouldn't do it publicly. Accelerated sales are done through the Stock Exchange. I made a list so that we have more options and bring the money home.

Gheorghiu emphasized that any move towards accelerated sales would be conducted transparently, likely through the stock exchange, and that the current document is merely an exploratory list to identify potential avenues for revenue generation. She criticized the opposition's narrative, stating that transparency should matter in Romania and that the motion is built on a falsehood. This defense comes amidst rising tensions within the governing coalition over the proposed reform of state-owned companies, which PSD claims amounts to 'selling the country.'

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This motion, if it is as it sounds, is based on a lie because the documents are public. It is an exploratory list, but transparency no longer matters for Romania.

From the perspective of Adevărul, Gheorghiu's defense highlights a fundamental disagreement over economic policy and governance. She pointed to previous governments, including those led by PSD, where listing state companies on the stock exchange generated substantial revenue through dividends. She presented figures showing that non-listed state companies represent 14 billion lei in liabilities, while those listed have contributed 8 billion lei to the budget. Gheorghiu's stance underscores the government's commitment to reform and fiscal responsibility, contrasting it with what she perceives as the opposition's obstructionist tactics and unfounded claims, encapsulated in her remark about 'turning on the light... and they got angry.'

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I hope they will prove these things, these people are fighting with instruments that bring prosperity. 14 billion lei are state companies that are not listed on stock exchanges. Those listed have brought 8 billion lei to the budget from dividends.