Acting Minister of Economy, USR Senator Irineu Darau, stated on Tuesday that maintaining the country's investment-grade rating was achieved with difficulty, particularly given the current international context.

'As Minister of the Economy (...), I am pleased that we have cleared this hurdle with the two rating agencies, which effectively confirm (...) that Romania remains in the investment-grade zone; I have been looking at the figures and the entire history of these sovereign ratings. We are currently struggling to maintain this rating amidst overlapping economic crises, an energy crisis, and international conflicts. Yet, regrettably, this was the country's rating even when we enjoyed high economic growth—back when the PSD, while in power (...), chose to run deficits of 8-9% and squander money on useless things. (...) Today, we are maintaining the sovereign rating through great prudence and considerable difficulty—and thanks to the sacrifices borne by the citizens,' stated Darau in Râmnicu Vâlcea.

He believes that the situation where the budget deficit spirals out of control must be avoided.

'We have made efforts to manage the national budget prudently. I believe that finishing the year on a positive note—by meeting the pledged deficit target and preparing the budget for next year—is crucial for keeping the country on the right track. Now, if there is a bit of overspending in 2028—an election year—well, we are used to that; but (...) if the government changes in a month and someone raids the piggy bank again, all the effort of the past two years will have been in vain,' added the interim Minister of Economy.

On Friday, Moody's maintained Romania's rating at 'Baa3' with a negative outlook, according to a statement from the credit rating agency.

'Moody's Ratings today affirmed the Government of Romania's long-term ratings, as well as the ratings for senior unsecured debt, at the Baa3 level. (...) The outlook remains negative,' the statement reads.

The decision came a week after Fitch decided to keep our country at the lowest investment-grade rating.

All three major credit rating agencies (S&P Global Ratings, Moody's, and Fitch) maintain a 'negative' outlook on Romania's sovereign rating, placing the country one step away from 'junk' status (not recommended for investment). AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)

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