Hungarian Minority Party Assumes Control of Romanian Ministry with One Billion Euro Debt
The Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) has recently taken over the Ministry of Development in Bucharest, inheriting debts amounting to RON 6.3 billion (EUR 1.3 billion). Attila Cseke, who has returned to lead the ministry after a year and a half, has made it a priority to settle these accumulated bills.
Cseke stated that several ongoing construction projects in Romania have been stalled or delayed due to the ministry’s failure to pay contractors. Despite the financial challenges, he emphasized the importance of continuing development efforts to stimulate the economy.
Notably, the Ministry of Development also owes RON 1.7 billion (EUR 340 million) for investments financed by the reconstruction fund. To prevent the loss of EU funding, Romania must prioritize clearing these debts.
Furthermore, outstanding bills totaling RON 3.6 billion (EUR 723.5 million) are attributed to the Anghel Saligny public utility program and projects supported by the national program for local development (PNDL). Payment priority will be given to investments in essential infrastructure such as drinking water, waste water, and gas networks.
In response to the financial challenges, an emergency system has been established for construction projects managed by the National Investment Company (CNI), an entity under the Ministry. Projects nearing completion will receive utmost attention.
Cseke announced that until the debts are settled, no new payment requests for investments initiated under the Anghel Saligny and PNLD financing programs will be accepted by the ministry.
The Romanian government’s commitment to addressing these financial obligations underscores the importance of sustaining development initiatives for the country’s economic growth.
