Romania Borrows Heavily, Raises Taxes, but Continues Stadium Investments; Expert Warns Population is Sacrificed

Romania is investing billions in stadiums and sports halls despite accumulating significant debt and recently increasing taxes. Economists warn this approach is a grave error that will burden the population and private businesses.

The country faces economic challenges on multiple fronts, with soaring deficits and a high GDP deficit, despite official data adjustments. In response, authorities have sharply increased taxes and duties, impacting the private sector and citizens. Simultaneously, government spending has risen, with consolidated budget expenditures increasing by 11.2% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Romania's public debt continues to grow. In 2025 alone, the nation borrowed a record 265 billion lei (approximately 53-54 billion euros), and estimates for 2026 suggest even larger borrowing needs. The national debt has doubled since 2020, drawing parallels to the 2009-2013 crisis when the government also prioritized stadium construction amid currency devaluation and high inflation.

Adding to the concern, the current government has approved the construction of stadiums and sports halls in cities lacking top-tier football teams. Four such projects in Timișoara, Oradea, Brașov, and Slatina will cost nearly 2 billion lei (1.826 billion lei). Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan acknowledged the issue, criticizing past allocations for projects lacking viability or co-financing, and noting stadiums in towns without football teams or with teams at levels that cannot fill them.