Ilie Bolojan defends record amid criticism of fiscal policies

Former Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has defended his administration's record, stating the government “governed correctly” and fulfilled its duties, such as rehabilitating schools and hospitals. However, critics highlight severe economic challenges during his tenure, including the highest inflation rate in the EU, an 80% drop in foreign direct investment, and declining purchasing power.

Former President Traian Băsescu criticized Bolojan’s fiscal strategy, arguing that increasing taxes instead of cutting public spending—specifically civil service bonuses—risks national bankruptcy. Similarly, former DNA prosecutor Călin Nistor accused the administration of manipulating the public regarding magistrate pension reforms to justify legislative changes.

Economic analysis from the Consilium Policy Advisors Group (CPAG) suggests that while fiscal consolidation reduced the deficit, the cost to the economy was high, including a loss of 65,000 jobs and 2.5 billion lei to the state budget. Additionally, reports indicate that pensioners have been heavily impacted by austerity measures and a lack of inflation-indexed pension adjustments.