site.btaSeven of Romania's 11 Presidential Candidates Take Part in Latest Election Debate

Seven of the 11 candidates for the Romanian presidency took part in the last pre-election debate organized by Antena 3 CNN in Bucharest on Wednesday night. The debate focused on the economy.

Independent candidate John Ion Banu said that in the current tough economic times, he would cut the defence budget. He was adamant: "We do not want additional armaments." He spoke out against special pensions.

His call was endorsed by Lavinia Sandru, the candidate backed by the Social Liberal Humanist Party.

Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union reported that she would work to grow the economy by attracting investment. She said that the number of MPs should be reduced from 464 to 300. She said that many institutes, inspectorates and agencies that have no clear purpose should be abolished and closed.

The independent candidate Daniel Funeriu seemed to agree that both the government and the institutions could function with fewer employees.

Acting President Crin Antonescu firmly ruled out raising taxes and cutting pensions or wages considering the current harsh economic conditions in Romania.

Independent candidate and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan said: "Deficit means inflation. I was in this situation four years ago, when the municipality had accumulated huge debts. Whoever got you in this mess will not save you from it." As possible solutions, he pointed to spending cuts and increased absorption of EU funds.

Cristian Terhes of the Romanian National Conservative Party was adamant that he would not sign off on any budget that raises taxes. He stated: "Having 45% of Romanians' salaries go to taxes and fees is not normal."

The four candidates who skipped Wednesday's debate were the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians George Simion, independent candidate Victor Ponta, National Action League Party candidate Silviu Predoiu, and New Romania Party candidate Sebastian Popescu.