PM Citu: June 1 - the first step toward resuming normalcy

 

"Today I will announce the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee, under the coordination of the prime minister, to make sure Romania's return to normalcy on June1. In fact, this is the first milestone, the first step, the first milestone we set for the a return to normalcy," Citu told a news conference on Monday at the Government House.

 

He said that this inter-ministerial committee will include all ministries, and inviting trade unions and employers associations is being considered.

 

"This inter-ministerial committee will include all ministries. I am thinking, of course, to include as guests, not as members, employers' associations as well, we will have talks with them. We have time to prepare for the reopening and we have made it clear that when you schedule things, when you have prior talks, the results are good. We've seen that with Easter, so far, that it is possible. You have seen that even at weekends we no longer have crowds on the ski slopes or in clubs, things get solved when you schedule them. You should trust that we will get through this time. This is the same message that President Klaus Iohannis is sending, I am sending it as prime minister, it is being sent by the entire Government: vaccination is the only solution," Citu said.

 

He underscored that the decisions so far on the COVID-19 pandemic have followed consultations and that that will also happen in the case of the inter-ministerial committee.

 

"It's very simple - each ministry will have to have, in turn, discussions on that sector, to see what the needs are in that sector, to discuss with associations in that sector; then these solutions will be brought before the inter-ministerial committee, where we will discuss them. We can have a solution from the HORECA sector: let's say the Ministry of Economy has a discussion with the HORECA sector and it comes up with certain measures; also included in the inter-ministerial committee will be the Interior Ministry, the Health Ministry; we will possibly have employers and associations and each one will come with additions," added Citu.

 

He mentioned that the government is considering talks with representatives of all economic branches in order to find solutions to move forward after June 1.

 

"I agree to talk to everyone, to see how we move forward after June 1, so we have two months to prepare. I am sure we will find the solution for all business operators," said the prime minister.