Basescu made this statement in a foreign investors’ conference, as he asked investors to partner up with the government to limit the rise in unemployment.
“Romania will definitely see a higher jobless rate, but as I asked the banks to partner up with the government – to which they answered yes, but little has happened so far (…) – I also ask you for a partnership in an attempt to lower the crisis’ effects on people,” Basescu said.
The president met early March with central bank governor Mugur Isarescu and the managers of the12 largest Romanian lenders. Basescu said after the meeting he would further encourage the partnership between banks, the government and the central bank.