Ilie Sarbu, Vice President of the PSD (Social Democratic Party), is a Romanian theologian, economist and politician who has represented Timis County in the Romanian Senate for ten years since 2004. He discusses Romania’s rapidly developing economy and the country’s political stability as well as the role of the PSD in contemporary Romania.
European Times: What are the milestones of your political career?
Ilie Sarbu: The most important moment in my life was the 1989 revolution, because it gave me, like all Romanians, a chance to start a new life and new businesses. In those early years of capitalism in Romania I was involved in the agriculture sector together with a German company, Fangmeier, which attracted investment from international enterprises such as Convent and MacDonald’s. I began my political life in 1993 as a member of the PSD and have served in many ways, including as Minister of Agriculture for four years in the first term and nine months in the second one. In this post I helped Romania meet EU standards for the agriculture sector, which was crucial for the country’s EU membership. I began my third term as senator from Timis County in 2012. I am also the leader of the PSD Parliamentary Group in the Senate. With almost 80 members that is the largest group the Senate has ever had.
European Times: Can you describe the role of the PSD in Romania’s political and economic spheres?
Ilie Sarbu: The PSD today is characterised by a new, younger management, with improved policy and strategy. It is a modern European party which has attracted many young people and young minds have changed our approach. In the elections for European Parliament in May, the PSD won in all, except in two counties in Romania. The party is committed to openness, cooperation and political stability.
European Times: Why should investors choose Romania?
Ilie Sarbu: Romania has great natural beauty along with a rich cultural heritage and wonderful people. The country also offers potential in many sectors, including agriculture (particularly organic agriculture), ICT, minerals, oil and gas, the automobile industry and tourism. Romania has been a mystery through history but presence of big companies on the market shows that there are plenty of investment opportunities in Romania.
European Times: What do you predict for the presidential elections to be held in Romania this fall?
Ilie Sarbu: I am convinced that Victor Ponta will win the presidential elections in November this year and will cooperate productively with the future prime minister. I also believe that Romania’s political leaders now understand that things have changed, both in world and in Romania. We have been a member of the EU for a while and we have new priorities in terms of how we should perceive work, transparency and in business and political relationships. Everybody should align to the new reality.
European Times: What is your personal message about Romania?
Ilie Sarbu: I invite investors and visitors to come visit our country and get to know the real Romania for themselves. There are many successful investment stories in Romania about companies which are running a stable business and having good profit. For most of them Romania has become another homeland. Also, young people who are working hard to improve Romania’s present are the future of this country.
