Senate President Mircea Abrudean said on Tuesday that the government led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has taken all possible measures to protect the population from rising global fuel prices and that he sees no blockage within the coalition regarding fuel-related draft laws.
"I see no blockage. I believe the government led by Prime Minister Bolojan has done everything possible to protect the population from these global increases in fuel prices. Two very good measures have been taken: one capping the commercial margin and another reducing the excise duty. We are in this framework; discussions have taken place with all those involved, including PSD members of the government. I don't see where the blockage is," Abrudean said, when asked about accusations by the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) regarding the blocking of the "Cheap diesel for agriculture" draft law, supported by Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu.
Regarding the coalition meeting that was supposed to take place this week on fuel prices but did not convene, Abrudean said: "I do not have that information. If a meeting was scheduled, I believe it should take place."
"It is Holy Week, but that does not mean that no one is working in the government and Parliament. So I believe a discussion can take place, but this depends on the coalition's schedule," he added.
PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu said on Tuesday that he categorically rejects turning discussions on changing the direction of government into negotiations over the prime minister's office or other ministerial positions. He added that it is "unacceptable" for one-third of Romania's arable land to remain uncultivated due to blockages within the government and the ruling coalition.
"For more than a month, the PSD draft law 'Cheap diesel for agriculture' has been blocked in the government, while farmers are overwhelmed by the huge costs of fuel and fertilisers. Minister Florin Barbu has taken all the necessary administrative steps at government level. There is no economic justification for blocking this bill, which has zero impact on the budget deficit," Grindeanu said.
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