Romanian FM Cuts Utilities, Transport, Staff Spending Amid Austere Measures

Baconschi also said Monday, during a half-yearly activity report meeting, that Romanian embassies will no longer ensure free transportation for Romanian delegations traveling abroad. He stressed that, in light of harsh economic and financial conditions, each Romanian delegation will have to pay for their transportation while abroad.

Baconschi pointed out that, a few months ago, his ministry asked all diplomatic missions and consular offices to come up with measures meant to cut costs with goods and services by 20% in 2010. He went on saying that these measures could trigger cost cuts of EUR564,772 and stressed that his ministry will also switch to "a stable system of mobile subscriptions via Internet".

Baconschi also said his ministry's new organizational chart, which will include three portfolios of state secretaries and fewer management positions, will be discussed in the Government meeting next week, adding staff will be cut by 35%.

According to the minister, one of the three portfolios will target European affairs, the second one will target global affairs and will include international organizations and the "non-European bilateral", while the third one will target the development of inter-institutional relations and the relations with the Parliament.

Prime Minister Emil Boc last week said the Government decided to reduce to two the number of state secretaries in each ministry, except those of Interior, Foreign Affairs and Finance, which will have three secretaries of state. Following the Government's decision, the total number of state secretaries would be reduced to 32 from the current 57.

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