Social stability is an essential condition for economic recovery, and it cannot exist where people can barely afford to live decently from one month to the next, the National Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Romania - Fratia warns, accusing the Romanian Government of systematically shifting the costs of the energy crisis onto the population in the absence of genuine social and economic protection measures.
According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, CNSLR Fratia cautions that the rapid increase in fuel and energy prices is severely affecting the living standards of employees and pensioners and is creating the conditions for a major social crisis.
'Through inaction, a lack of social dialogue, and the promotion of incoherent fiscal policies, the Government is breaching its fundamental obligations to protect citizens and ensure economic stability. We stress that invoking the international context does not absolve the state of responsibility. On the contrary, in such situations, public intervention is essential to limit the negative effects on the population. Romania, although an oil-producing country, allows prices comparable to those in import-dependent states, which indicates major dysfunctions in public policies and regulatory mechanisms,' the press release reads.
CNSLR Fratia calls on the Government to avoid additional taxation in the oil sector and to adopt sustainable economic measures. Trade union representatives state that further taxation applied to the exploration and production (E&P) segment would directly impact the core of the oil industry.
'These measures affect the capacity to supply Romanian oil to the market, block essential medium- and long-term investments, reduce domestic production, and force an increase in dependence on imports. Economically and socially, the negative effects will be felt through reduced activity in the sector, hiring freezes, layoffs, and economic stagnation in related industries. We welcome the initiative to establish a governmental working group, as well as discussions regarding a reduction in fuel excise duty. However, we emphasise that urgent and rapidly applicable measures are needed, given that fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks and the effects are already being felt across the entire economy,' they say.
The trade union organisation also warns that the Government's current policies risk conflicting with the principles and objectives assumed by Romania at European Union level, including with regard to consumer protection and living standards, ensuring a fair energy transition, maintaining economic competitiveness, and guaranteeing social cohesion.
Meanwhile, the effects are already visible: declining purchasing power, cascading price increases, and economic pressure across society.
'The CNSLR Fratia Confederation reaffirms its willingness to participate in the consultations announced by the Government and to contribute to identifying balanced solutions. What we cannot accept is that Romanian employees should once again be the last to receive support and the first to bear the costs,' CNSLR Fratia states.
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