Cseke Attila:Local administration reform to cut 40,000 positions resulting in 2.2 billion lei annual savings

   The measures regarding the reform of local administration aim to eliminate over 40,000 positions, with the annual financial impact estimated at 2.2 billion lei, Development, Public Works and Administration Minister Cseke Attila said.He was responding to a question about the measures included in the local administration reform project, which target staff reductions."This cut at the level of dignitaries' offices also applies centrally - there are cuts at the offices of the prime minister, deputy prime ministers, ministers, secretaries of state, and so on - so there is a reduction in the number of advisers from top to bottom, and indeed it involves more than 6,000 positions. On the Local Police side, over 4,000 posts are being cut. And with the application of the 20% reduction rate, we are talking about over 30,000 positions. In total, more than 40,000 posts in local administration will be eliminated, and the financial impact of this component, which we worked on, amounts to 2.2 billion lei annually - that is the saving from these measures," Cseke Attila said on Antena 3 private television broadcaster on Monday evening.The minister also explained the necessity of taking these steps, including the need to increase the revenues of local authorities and improve the efficiency of their structures.   În his opinion, the maintaining the current governing coalition is essential, pointing out that in the current very difficult context, decisions must be taken jointly for the country, not for the benefit of a single party."It is essential that we move forward. Now, of course, I speak on behalf of the UDMR, because I cannot speak on behalf of the others. In a coalition of four political formations and the group representing national minorities, there will always be - and from now on as well - differences. I don't think there is any place in the world where a coalition of four parties agrees on everything. No, that is simply not possible - their electoral platforms differ, their programmes differ from one party to another - but there must be discussion, there must be debate. And I hope, as soon as possible, that these coalition meetings will take place, because in the end, decisions must be made - and these decisions are for the country, not for a political party. We are in a very difficult context, in a very difficult year, and we must take joint decisions. That is the right way, and we must keep each other informed and engage in debate, even if we don't enjoy it," Cseke Attila said on Antena 3 private television broadcaster on Monday evening.In this context, he was asked about the fact that Social Democratic Party (PSD) "has not taken off the table" the option of leaving the government."I hope that will not happen - that's the last thing we need now, in the current situation, with this deficit which, obviously, we are not happy about, but which we must manage. And, from what I see, this isn't a matter of a week or a month - we have a very difficult period ahead of us this year and probably well into next year. We are not talking about solving all of Romania's problems with ?package 2', ending privileges, and suddenly having money in the state budget. Yes, we will solve some important issues that must be addressed, that should bring fairness and justice - but there are many other things that still need to be done. As a country, we have committed to reducing the deficit by a significant percentage every year over the next six or seven years. If we act this year and next year, we can build a better outlook for the period that follows. I hope that sometime in the second half of next year, we can start implementing measures that are not so harsh and aggressive. Measures that also support everyone, including in terms of investment," Cseke Attila added.