Press briefing by Prime Minister Florin Cîțu at the end of the Cabinet meeting of September 1, 2021

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Florin Cîțu: Good evening. I made a necessary decision. A few minutes ago I sent the President of Romania the request for the removal from the office of Justice Minister Stelian Ion. I will not accept in the Government of Romania ministers who oppose the country's modernization. As a minister, Stelian Ion has unfortunately failed to assert himself in the coalition, he did not succeed in carrying his projects through. For instance, the abolition of the Section for the Investigation of Judicial Crimes, which eight months into office, has still not been dismantled.

Blocking the government's activity just because one doesn't agree to develop communities is a breach of the mandate entrusted by Parliament through the programme for government. I will not allow the blackmailing of the Romanian people. I informed the leaders of the coalition about this sacking.

I no longer accept in the Government anyone who resorts to blackmail, who doesn't understand that we are not talking here about mayors, but about communities and the citizens' interest. We must develop Romania!

 Just because our USR PLUS coalition colleagues don't have many mayors doesn't mean that the Romanians have to suffer. I take full responsibility for this decision. The PNL National Political Bureau has undertaken this investment project, which is not PNDL 3. It's a dedicated road paving, water & sewage and gas project. It is the symbol of Romania's modernization after 30 years.

I sent the aforementioned dismissal document to the President. I will nominate for interim Justice Minister someone who understands that investments are the number 1 priority in Romania.

I want our coalition partners from USR PLUS to have the open-mindedness and responsibility not to choose to pull out of government, as they have been conveying via various channels since this morning. This coalition is duty-bound to deliver reforms for Romanians.

I assure you that this government carries on and that we will overcome this moment as well, because the public interest, the interest of the Romanians is above the interest of a politician.

Thank you!