Romanian Labor Minister Florin Manole apologizes for private jet trip

Romanian Labor Minister Florin Manole has issued a public apology regarding a private jet trip to Mykonos in July 2026. Manole admitted that, from the perspective of public perception in Romania, accepting the flight was a mistake.

The Minister clarified that the trip was not a vacation but an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce to participate in discussions regarding the labor market. He noted that the trip lasted approximately eight hours in total, including flight time, which he argued did not meet his personal standards for a holiday.

Manole traveled with 12 other individuals, including businessman Gruia Stoica. He suggested that the timing of the scandal might be coincidental, noting it emerged on the same day as parliamentary hearings concerning a judge of the Constitutional Court. Regarding the value of the flight, which he did not pay for, Manole stated the information would be included in his wealth declaration, which he offered to publish on the ministry's website.