Niculescu's first cabinet meeting: fuel price caps may be extended, tax rises not ruled out
Romania's new prime minister says energy is his first priority ahead of winter, with a decision on prolonging the fuel price measures due in the coming days. He wants Pillar II pensions left untouched and asks to be judged on results.
Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said on Tuesday evening, after the first meeting of his newly invested government, that the cabinet is considering extending the measures that limit price rises for petrol and diesel, and will give a concrete answer in the coming days depending on the figures.
'Energy is a major problem in Romania, and not only in Romania,' he told a press conference, saying he would meet Energy Minister Dumitru Chisăliță very soon. The issue is not only fuel but also gas and electricity, he added: 'Winter is coming, and that is where we risk the most serious problems if we do not act in time.'
Asked about the budget, Niculescu did not rule out tax increases, saying the government would in any case try to protect vulnerable people. On private Pillar II pensions, he said the system should normally stay as it is, recalling that he dealt with the topic during Romania's OECD accession process.
Asked what guarantees he could offer on cutting waste and privileges, the prime minister said he preferred to be judged by his decisions rather than his promises: 'Judge me by results.' The Niculescu cabinet won Parliament's confidence vote on Monday with 280 votes in favour and 58 against.