Senate President Mircea Abrudean warned on Monday that further delays in approving the administration reform package risk blocking the adoption of the state budget and affecting "the smooth running of the country". He stressed that the prime minister is "sovereign" in government meetings and ultimately responsible for decisions.
"There will certainly be a discussion in the coalition. From my point of view, as someone who does not participate in coalition meetings but observes what has happened in recent months, we have been discussing this administration package for a long time without reaching a final decision," Abrudean said. He noted that the package had already been debated and agreed upon in previous coalition meetings. "If we come to each meeting with new requests for changes or exceptions, I don't think we are doing anyone any good," he added, referring to the Social Democratic Party's (PSD) request for exceptions for Education, Health, Defence and Agriculture.
Abrudean underlined that the reform package must be approved before the state budget law. "If we drag our feet on this decision and fail to have a budget approved in Parliament, we will only affect the smooth running of the country, the economy, and everything that depends on a balanced budget. The decision will be made in the coalition, but the National Liberal Party has outlined its position from the beginning, and I think we should follow the line that was approved," he said.
Asked about reports that three PSD ministers might refuse to endorse the ordinance, Abrudean said ministers are free to issue negative opinions. "There is no problem if a minister does not approve an act on the government's table. There is also the option of a negative opinion. The opinions of ministries are consultative. In the end, the decision is made by the prime minister in the government meeting. The prime minister is sovereign in the government meeting," he said, recalling his experience as former Secretary General of the Government.
He warned that allowing new exceptions would undermine the reform effort. "If we start from the premise of new exceptions, I think we will not be able to do anything we set out to do. Reform means costs. The reform package was included in the government program approved by Parliament. If we return every time with proposals that differ from what the program provides, I don't think we are doing anyone any good," Abrudean stated.
Asked what message he would send to teachers and doctors threatening a general strike if exceptions for Education and Health are not included, he replied: "Everyone wants as high appropriations as possible for Education and Health, and for salaries to be as high as possible. The prime minister wants the same, but let's look at what we can afford."
He reiterated that the government's approach has been consistent: reducing the deficit, building a budget based on investment and productivity, and identifying resources before making commitments. "It's not the time to compete in political declarations. Let's look at the reality of this period, where Romania is and where we want to get. If we have solutions, everyone is open to them. But simply asking for exceptions or extra money without identifying the source is not serious," he said.
Regarding possible tax cuts, Abrudean said Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan would communicate after the coalition meeting. Asked whether the prime minister might seek a vote of confidence within the coalition, he replied: "The vote of confidence is manifested when there are motions of censure. So far, all motions have been rejected."
He added that he wants the current governing coalition to continue despite tensions. "If this coalition respects its commitments to Romanians by respecting the governing program, it should do well for Romania. We need political stability, which generates economic stability. Otherwise, things will become extremely complicated," Abrudean concluded.
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