The Romanian President Traian Basescu recently said, during a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions in Romania, that he will continue to be an active partner of the Government in the adoption of measures undertaken in the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and the EU.

It was the president's first official statement after street protests started in Romania.  However, he did not comment on the unrest. He also said that one of the lessons learned is that a responsible attitude at the political and economic levels is a fundamental protection against the crisis.

The completion of the health law will remain among the Government’s main reform priorities in 2012, and a possible administrative reorganization of the country is also being taken into account.

“Last year was a difficult year, due to the economic, financial, humanitarian and sometimes political crisis, which challenged the governments and the states around the world”, said Traian Basescu.

Speaking about Romania’s accession to the Schengen area, he said: “We are surprised that, after having raised the issue twice in the European Council in October and December, the decision on accession is still delayed, in spite of the legal and factual situation being clear.” Also, he added that the continued restrictions on Romanian workers imposed by nine of the EU member states are "entirely unjustified".

The protests started in Romania mid-last week, after the resignation of Raed Arafat, Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health, on the proposed health law. The protests soon turned against Romanian President Traian Basescu, demanding his and the Government’s dismissal and early elections.

Today, the Social Liberal Union (USL) in Romania, the main opposition party in the country, is organizing a protest in Bucharest. Read more here.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Romanian Presidency)