Nicușor Dan, in Focșani: “The state must reform”. What the president says about the support for Ilie Bolojan
The President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, who was in Focșani on Saturday, on the occasion of the Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities, declared that there is no risk of a censure motion against the Government and reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The head of state offered statements after visiting the “Unirea” National College, before leaving for Iași, where he will participate in the ceremony organized in Unirea Square.
The President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, in Focșani on Saturday PHOTO: Inquam photos/ George Călin
During his visit to the “Unirea” National College in Focșani, Nicușor Dan answered journalists' questions on sensitive domestic and foreign policy issues.
Regarding the Government's intention to assume responsibility for the third package of measures, the president explained: “Not. When a government takes responsibility for a law or a package of laws, this assumes that there is strong political support. The government consists of representatives of four parties, and the parties that are part of the coalition support this measure. Otherwise, the government would not appear before Parliament. The relationship between the Government and the Parliament is not one of show“.
Support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan
Asked if he still supports Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Nicușor Dan stated: “There is a four-party governing coalition that democratically elected this government. This coalition supports the government, and I collaborate with this state authority“.
The President also commented on the rumors regarding the replacement of the Prime Minister: “Romania has a coalition made up of four parties, and the coalition has a clear agreement. According to this agreement, until April 2027 the prime minister is designated by the PNL. PNL decided that the prime minister is Mr. Ilie Bolojan. I don't see what other discussion there can be on this topic”.
The president also denied an allegation of using donations to repay a loan to his sister. “It is totally false. I don't know where this statement comes from.”
“The Romanian state did not have a coherent and effective educational policy”
Asked about the austerity measures and the impact on education, Nicușor Dan explained: “Let's see the final text. There will be another coalition meeting in the coming days. There are still discussions about the law that the Government intends to take responsibility for. After we have the final form, we will be able to concretely discuss the measures”.
On Olympian scholarships and education funding, the president said: “The Romanian state has not had, in the last 35 years, a coherent and effective educational policy. The state must reform itself, streamline its spending and grow its economy. Only then will education be able to receive the funding it deserves.”
Foreign policy and the Republic of Moldova
Referring to Romania's absence from some international forums, such as Davos, Nicușor Dan emphasized that diplomacy is not limited to a single event. “Romania has numerous defense strategies. The National Defense Strategy is correlated with NATO plans. Security discussions take place on multiple levels: defense ministers, national security advisors, diplomatic channels. Diplomacy is not limited to being present at a single event.”
Regarding the idea of union with the Republic of Moldova, the president clarified: “This is a matter that strictly depends on the will of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Romania has a clear commitment: supporting the Republic of Moldova in its European journey, including through energy, economic and institutional cooperation. We respect the decisions and objectives established by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova through their legitimate authorities”.
After Focșani, Nicușor Dan will travel to Iași, where he will participate in the ceremony organized in the Union Square, thus continuing the events dedicated to the Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities.
