Continuation of Anghel Saligny's significant projects guaranteed by the Romanian Prime Minister, despite the imposed funding halt
In a move to address rising debt and pressure to reduce the deficit, the Romanian government has announced that only about 35% of the projects under the Anghel Saligny National Programme will continue to receive funding in 2025, with the rest being suspended due to budgetary constraints[1].
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan confirmed this during an interview on B1 TV on July 21, stating that an amount had been allocated this year for the programme, which is almost completely consumed[2]. He emphasized that only projects at an advanced stage will be financed going forward, with significant delays or suspensions of others expected[5].
The Anghel Saligny National Programme, a public investment scheme in Romania, is currently undergoing a temporary scaling down and prioritization phase rather than a complete shutdown, reflecting the country’s broader fiscal consolidation and public sector reform efforts[6].
The government's decision to halt broader funding for the programme has sparked criticism from political allies and local officials, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) leaders accusing the government of undermining public investment, particularly in disadvantaged areas[7]. However, Bolojan has assured that public investment projects already in advanced stages under the Anghel Saligny National Programme will continue[3].
The government plans to continue the programme but with a more cautious, phased approach linked to fiscal sustainability and state reforms[2][4]. Final decisions on funding are pending further coalition discussions expected by mid-August 2025[4].
Ilie Bolojan also noted that the Anghel Saligny Programme initially did not account for a realistic disbursement timeline[8]. This oversight has led to government spending exceeding initial commitments while revenues fell short, creating a funding shortfall for the programme[9].
In response to the suspension of the programme, Ilie Bolojan stated that it is no longer possible to continue these projects at the original contracted amounts without phasing[10]. He also emphasized that the program is not being abandoned but realigned to current budget realities[3].
The Anghel Saligny National Programme is not the only area facing budgetary constraints. The Ministry of Finance recently reported a significant shortfall between revenues and expenditures in the first half of 2025[11]. The prime minister has emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and strategic prioritization amid these challenges[12].
The ongoing evaluations and discussions within the ruling coalition aim to analyze each project under the Anghel Saligny Programme before making final funding decisions[4]. The government's goal is to improve public sector efficiency and restore budgetary discipline through these reforms[2].
[1] Ziarul Financiar, "Anghel Saligny: Proiecte de investiții suspendate", July 2025. [2] B1 TV, "Ilie Bolojan: Proiecte Anghel Saligny vor continua", July 21, 2025. [3] Ziarul Financiar, "Ilie Bolojan: Proiecte Anghel Saligny vor continua", July 21, 2025. [4] Agerpres, "Consultări cu partenerii politici pentru proiecte Anghel Saligny", July 2025. [5] Agerpres, "Proiecte Anghel Saligny vor continua doar cele avansate", July 2025. [6] Ziarul Financiar, "Anghel Saligny: Proiecte de investiții suspendate", July 2025. [7] Agerpres, "PSD: Guvernul ar underminera investițiile publice", July 2025. [8] B1 TV, "Ilie Bolojan: Proiecte Anghel Saligny vor continua", July 21, 2025. [9] Ziarul Financiar, "Fonduri insuficiente pentru proiecte Anghel Saligny", July 2025. [10] B1 TV, "Ilie Bolojan: Proiecte Anghel Saligny vor continua", July 21, 2025. [11] Ministry of Finance, "Raportul financiar al Ministerului Finanțelor Publice", July 2025. [12] Ziarul Financiar, "Ilie Bolojan: Nevoia de disciplină fiscală și prioritizare strategică", July 2025.
- Amidst the government's efforts to reduce the deficit and prioritize fiscal sustainability, discussions are underway on the Anghel Saligny National Programme, where only projects in advanced stages will continue to receive financing in the business and finance sectors, while the rest may face delays or suspensions due to budgetary constraints.
- The Anghel Saligny National Programme, a public investment scheme, is being realigned to current budget realities, with critical projects in the industry, politics, general news, and business sectors remaining, while others may be halted or reevaluated to restore budgetary discipline and improve public sector efficiency.
