Bolojan says INS data refute collapse scenarios, accuses PSD of distorting figures

Growth figures and Bolojan's reply

On Friday, 13 November 2026, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published economic data showing growth of 2.1% in the third quarter compared with the second. The budget deficit fell to 3.81% of GDP over the first nine months, and public investment reached nearly 108 billion lei in that period, more than 25 billion lei above the same nine months of 2025. Former prime minister Ilie Bolojan, who leads the PNL, wrote on Facebook that the data refuted every apocalyptic scenario about an economic collapse and a failed fiscal adjustment.

“We did not promise an overnight recovery. We promised the good effects would show, and we kept our word.”

Bolojan said the economy had resumed growing and the budget was balanced, and he hoped the current government would keep the course so results keep improving. He cautioned that difficulties had not passed and that growth remained fragile. He had been removed from office on 5 May by a PSD-AUR censure motion.

PSD under fire

Bolojan hoped the current government would not treat the inheritance he left with contempt. He accused PSD of wanting power without being able to govern in the country's interest, and of forcing a distortion of the figures in an effort to undermine the work of the whole society. He referred to projects he called completely unfounded without naming any. He also said PSD was discrediting ideas that deserved serious treatment, ideas it had rejected while in government, and that instead of fighting for the PNRR money it was only putting on a show.

Zamfir accuses Bolojan of a false picture

Economy Minister Daniel Zamfir, from PSD, accused Bolojan of deliberately presenting a false picture of Romania's economy in a Bloomberg News interview. Zamfir said the statement came the day after the European Commission published data that put Romania second in EU economic growth, and he cited growth of 1.7%. In an interview with Gândul, he said:

“For me there is no longer any doubt that Mr Bolojan had a plan.”

In the Bloomberg interview, Bolojan warned that Romania could face inability to pay if the government did not quickly stop excessive spending. He said the next six months would be crucial for imposing a series of radical austerity measures, despite growing public discontent and tensions inside the coalition. Zamfir called the comparison with Greece a lie.

Rheinmetall contract and SAFE funds

Zamfir also said President Nicușor Dan had been misled about the Rheinmetall contract signed through the SAFE programme, and that less money than announced would reach Romania's defence industry. Contacted by G4Media, former chief of the prime minister's chancellery Mihai Jurca rejected the claims:

“They are lies. Mr Zamfir did not take part in any discussion and speaks from the instructions he received.”

Former defence minister Radu Miruță had said 60% of SAFE money would go to Romania's defence industry. Zamfir doubted that, saying that if the share reached around 40% the country should be pleased, and he put the Lynx tank project at about 35%. Miruță told G4Media that Zamfir should prove his claims and said the Economy Ministry must check whether the percentages are respected. Minister of European Funds Mihai Ghigiu, from PSD, asked on Antena 3 for the Rheinmetall contracts to be renegotiated.

Radu Miruță's claim60%

Lynx tank project, per Daniel Zamfir35%

Radu Miruță's claim

60 %

Lynx tank project, per Daniel Zamfir

35 %

Data from the article text