Basescu also said that following talks with the International Monetary Fund, Romania accepted the Fund’s forecast, which sees Romanian economy contracting by 4% in 2009.
"In the light of recent political decisions, we must prepare for the worst," said Basescu, mentioning that this entails 6.5% lower state revenues triggered by the difference between the initial economic growth forecast of 2.5% and the IMF forecast of -4%.
"Low wages cannot be affected. We must find a way to increase low wages in the upcoming period," said Basescu, adding this is also the case of low pensions.
The head of state also pointed out that the approximately 3.2 million employees in the industrial or services sector financially back the entire public sector through the taxes they pay.
Basescu also called for solidarity and highlighted that Romania took the necessary measures to counter the effects of the crisis and prevent social sideslip.
The president also said that civil servants must undertake to fulfill the EU funds absorption objective, pointing out that many projects are way overdue because of failure to assume responsibility in this respect.
Moreover, Basescu stressed that things would definitely get worse if the absorption process of EU funds fails.