Iohannis: "Lack of vision, anticipation, and foresight in public finances is evident when the economic growth forecast is missed”
President Klaus Iohannis stated on Wednesday, at the 25th edition of the National Ranking of Companies gala, when referring to the scarce infrastructure, that "we can no longer accept a Romania with multiple speeds, just as we cannot accept a European Union with multiple speeds."
"Another problem is the scarce infrastructure, which isn't just an impediment for the development of the business milieu, but also for the progress of regions and local communities," he said.
According to the head of state "in lack of transport infrastructure, some of the country's regions get bypassed by investors, which is implicitly reflected in the decline of work places and living standards."
"The dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of these regions is obviously justified and manifested through more and more frequent protests, in their attempt to somehow determine the political decision-makers to wake up and take action," Iohannis stated.
In his view, infrastructure should be treated as a "first priority," with seriousness, professionalism and responsibility, because it directly and decisively influences the future of the country.
"I believe that the current situation, in which much, very much is been said about infrastructure, but little is done, should change rapidly," Iohannis underscored.
According to him, the good results in the national ranking of companies are overshadowed by economic developments.
"Beyond the usual challenges, the local business environment has grown and developed significantly in the last quarter of the century, guided by the market economy and free initiative. Your performances and achievements have contributed significantly to the development not only of the economy but also of Romania. (...) However, it is important to keep in mind that, beyond temporary or circumstantial records, sustainable development only takes place if it is based on sustained and qualitative growth of investment and productivity. It is a joy to notice the good results of the National Ranking of Companies, but they are overshadowed by the economic development, which is marked by a slowdown to 4pct in the first half of the year, compared with the pompous official forecast of 5.5pct,' said Iohannis.
He pointed out that without significant changes in the pattern of budget implementation after three quarters, the national budget posted a deficit more than double the previous year's, which increases the risk of exceeding the 3pct-of-GDP threshold.
"Lack of vision, anticipation, and foresight in public finances is evident when the economic growth forecast is missed, when budget revenues are far from initial goals and faults in revenue collection are perpetrated, when the use of European funds is disappointing, and public investment stays on paper only," said Iohannis.
În his opinion, politicians can no longer pretend they don't get the repeated signals sent by the Romanians, and the fact that the businessmen perceive that corruption has increased in the past year is another worrying signal.
"The fact that the businessmen perceive that corruption has increased in the past year should be regarded as another worrying signal. And this, the businessmen's perception, was measured by specialized institutions. Politicians can no longer pretend they don't get the repeated signals sent by the Romanians, who can no longer tolerate the lack of correctitude in public life. We need profound changes to reestablish the citizens' trust in those who represent them. The rule of law state must become an essential anchor of stability and predictability in economy and the social life. I believe that I am on the same page with the business environment when I say that the existence of a rule of law state with strong institutions and predictable politics for the development of a competitive and prosperous economic is what we all want," said the head of the state.
She added that 2019 will be an intense year at the European level, marked by challenges, but also important opportunities.