Manda to Bolojan: “Maybe It’s Time for You to Sacrifice and Leave

Romania faces severe economic contraction and plummeting purchasing power, according to Claudiu Manda, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) general secretary and Member of the European Parliament. Manda publicly accused Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan of driving the country from one crisis to another during a turbulent tenure spanning more than 100 days, citing official figures that show shrinking gross domestic product alongside surging inflation and unemployment.

Economic Contraction and Official GDP Data

Gross Domestic Product dropped by 0.8% on a raw series basis and by 1.6% on a seasonally adjusted series. Manda noted that this downturn contrasts sharply with the broader European Union economy, which posted growth during the second quarter.

“În timp ce economia Uniunii Europene a fost pe creştere în trimestrul al doilea, România a încheiat primele şase luni ale acestui an în contracţie faţă de aceeaşi perioadă din 2025,” Manda wrote in a public statement on Facebook. He criticized government policies for transferring the costs of governance directly onto citizens.

Purchasing Power Drop, Inflation, and Unemployment Surges

The economic slowdown has translated into tangible hardships for Romanian households, according to the PSD general secretary. Salaries experienced the most drastic decline in purchasing power recorded over the last 15 years, while pensions suffered the steepest losses in 25 years. Furthermore, inflation rates doubled, pushing living costs higher.

Labor market indicators reflect mounting pressure as well. Romania has depășit 510.000 de șomeri, while the total number of active employees dropped by 63.000 within a single year. Manda argued that citizens are paying higher prices while affording less and experiencing heightened financial insecurity under the current administration.

Political Fallout and Leadership Demands

Following the release of the INS data, Manda formally called on Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to step down from office, characterizing his continued tenure at Palatul Victoria as an “abusive” occupation of the seat. The PSD leader asserted that austerity measures implemented under the banner of “reform” served primarily to finance governmental incapacity rather than stabilize the macroeconomic outlook.

Addressing online rumors and political commentary regarding potential coalition maneuvers, Manda also dismissed speculation surrounding a meeting between him, his wife (mayor Lia Olguța Vasilescu), and AUR leader George Simion aimed at forming a PSD-AUR alliance, noting it was a meeting that never existed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Claudiu Manda call for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s resignation?

According to social-democrat statements, Manda demanded Bolojan’s departure because government policies resulted in declining GDP, soaring inflation, and the steepest drop in salary purchasing power seen in 15 years.

Data published by the INS revealed that Romania’s Gross Domestic Product fell by 0.8% on a raw series and 1.6% on a seasonally adjusted series during the first semester compared to the previous year.

How have employment figures changed according to the reports?

Reports indicate that Romania’s total unemployed population surpassed 510,000, while the number of employed workers declined by 63,000 over the course of a year.