Cutting Budget Spending Is Not A Solution For Now - Romanian President

Romanian President Traian Basescu on Thursday said he does not encourage reducing budget spending at present, although this would be the easiest solution, economically speaking.

"Economically speaking, the easiest solution would be to cut down budgetspending, but I wouldn't go for it right now," Basescu said.

The head of state said this option should be avoided as long as there are other ways to face the crisis.

"As long as there are other ways to face crisis than reducing salaries, I think we should avoid this," Basescu said, pointing to investments in infrastructure.

The head of state was asked whether he considers an option such as the one made by Hungary, where a technocratic government was appointed.

Basescu said "Hungary, the neighboring country, which is doing far better, is the one that massively reduced wages and pensions".

"I am a supporter of the Government's maximum effort to avoid this situation. Sure, we can discuss lowering bonuses, stopping abuse in court decisions, but I am not a supporter of such a solution at this time. We must try to overcome the crisis in a decent manner, if we can," Basescu said.

Mediafax