Romanian Prime Minister affirms persistence of completed Anghel Saligny ventures, despite financial hold
In a move to address mounting criticism, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has announced that public investment projects under the Anghel Saligny National Programme, which are already in advanced stages, will continue. The decision comes as a result of significant budgetary constraints, with the government having already spent most of the allocated funds in the first half of 2025, leading to a need to prioritize and phase out certain investments.
The Anghel Saligny Programme, a public investment scheme focused on infrastructure development in local communities, will not be completely halted but will undergo an evaluation to ensure its effectiveness and align with budgetary limitations. Approximately 35% of the projects funded through the Anghel Saligny Programme will still proceed in 2025, according to Bolojan.
Road projects that are 80% complete will continue to receive funding, while the water, sewage, and gas component of the programme will continue for projects that are over 40% complete. The decision follows discussions within the coalition, where the Social Democratic Party (PSD) has played a crucial role in advocating for the programme's continuation.
The funding shortfall for the government was created during the first half of the year, as government spending exceeded initial commitments while revenues fell short, creating a funding shortfall. Bolojan has suggested that the original design of the Anghel Saligny Programme did not account for a realistic disbursement timeline.
The suspension of new allocations for the Anghel Saligny National Programme has been a point of contention within the ruling coalition, with PSD leaders accusing the government of undermining public investment, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The leaders have threatened to reconsider their position in the coalition due to the suspension of the Anghel Saligny Programme.
Bolojan reiterated the need for fiscal discipline and strategic prioritisation amid rising debt and pressure to reduce the deficit. The prime minister made this statement during an interview on B1 TV on July 21. The quote from Bolojan about the suspension of new allocations was reported by Ziarul Financiar.
The Ministry of Finance recently reported a significant shortfall between revenues and expenditures in the first half of 2025, adding to the pressure on the government to make tough decisions about public spending. The Anghel Saligny Programme tension within the ruling coalition continues, with the PSD leaders expressing their concerns about the impact of the programme's suspension on local communities.
Sources: [1] Ziarul Financiar [2] Agerpres [3] Romania-Insider [4] Mediafax [5] Gov.ro
The Anghel Saligny Programme, a venture mainly focusing on infrastructure development in local communities, will be evaluated to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with budgetary limitations, as it proceeds with approximately 35% of its projects in 2025. This decision, stemming from significant budgetary constraints, has led to discussions within the coalition, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) playing a crucial role in advocating for the programme's continuation, as the government faces pressure to address the funding shortfall in finance and business.
