Romania’s new Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has proposed „economic patriotism” to get Romania out of its current economic crisis.
Romanians should no longer be „the modern slaves” of Europe, he said, setting a populist note after taking the job from Nicolae Ciuca who agreed the switch as part of a deal struck by the Social Democrat-Liberal coalition.
He said his government would develop production, boost investment and create jobs in Romania.” His governing program also aims to „re-industrialize Romania through state aid for all companies that are productive, regardless who their owners are.” He said his government would increase exports and decrease imports.
But analysts and commentators said his plans were not viable.
“’Economic patriotism’ may be an option for big countries like Japan or India, but not for Romania, which is a member of the EU (and intends to stay that way, Ciolacu assures us) and is therefore obliged to respect treaties and agreements,” Adevarul said in a commentary.
“Ciolacu’s complaints that Romanians have become the ‘modern slaves of the EU’ are in vain. Against a background of globalization and mobility of labor, goods and services, Romanian compatriots are paid in EU countries according to their qualifications and performance. Some more, some less.”
“Marcel Ciolacu would do well to focus on our education and training systems,” it said.
Economic analyst Adrian Negrescu told Radio France Internationale: „Many measures in Mr Ciolacu’s governing program aren’t based on economic considerations, which demonstrate where the money will come from to sustain the economy, to raise salaries, to guarantee public investment, things which Mr Ciolacu has taken on board in this program.”
Romania is facing a labor shortage after millions moved to Western Europe where wages are higher.
About half a million workers are needed to keep the economy afloat. Immigrants from India, Pakistan, the Philippines and other countries are interested in getting jobs in Romania. But officials are overwhelmed by paperwork and unable to handle the inflow.
