Mihai Gadea had a number of questions for the candidate supported by the PSD-PC UNPR for Cotroceni, Victor Ponta, on the Wednesday edition of the "Daily Summary show".
Mihai Gâdea: What is the biggest lie that was said about you in this campaign?
Victor Ponta: I think one of the lies promoted by Traian Băsescu was referring to my father, who died 22 years ago of cancer. And every time I say to Andrew, my boy, the many things I want to do for him, as much as my father has not lived to do for me.
MG: Is there anything good to take over from your opponents ?
VP: I cannot say that I have followed all the candidates, but even the most vocal critics of mine, from each I could take one good thing. I read the criticism and I am not ok with all of them, but I try to extract something useful from what everyone says.
MG: Who was the critical journalist who was right?
VP: I have always envied Mircea Badea for the liberty he has got.
MG: Who would be the prime minister you could make a team with ?
VP: Tuesday I will announce the person or persons whom I could work with, but Mr. Tăriceanu would definitely be a good option. But there are many other working options.
MG: Will you support the holding of a referendum for the monarchy ?
VP: Definitely I would. Already the idea of monarchy is not something that belongs to some nostalgic, or elites. It is a reaction to the decay of the presidential office. I think this is an important issue and it is important for people to decide democratically in a referendum.
MG: The flat rate, the taxes will increase in 2015?
VP: Taxes and duties are increased or decreased by the Government or the Parliament. What I can tell you for sure about 2015 , with me as Prime Minister, compared to 2009. In 2009 the government spent 10 billion more than it had.
IT is just like when you earn 1.000 lei and you spend 1.500 de lei. Obviously at some point the bill comes. Romania today has spent exactly as much as it collected. Next year, on what we have already adopted in documents, things are sustainable with the current taxes.
MG: What is your foreign policy strategy?
VP: The idea of a strategic partnership with the US is a good idea. This was not Traian Băsescu’s idea, it was the idea of Emil Constantinescu, in 1997. To be fair with the course of history. It is a good idea that I think we need to continue. The only axis that I care for greatly is the Bucharest - Chisinau and I say it very clearly: Romania must do everything we can so that the Republic of Moldova should become an EU member soon and I also think that our neighbors, with one exception, can also be our friends, for a better development.
MG: How do you comment the DNA’s attitude in the elections campaign?
VP: Allow me not to say. I will say this much – the goddess of justice is well blindfolded. I do not think that there is a perfect balance, just as I do not think she looks on from under the veil. We need an efficient justice, but to be the same for all.
MG: The EADS scandal
VP: So the Germans can be corrupt. This is what I understand. God divided the sins equally. Each has its own brushwood in each country. What I am convinced of, however, is that we need to know where corruption occurs.
I want us not to punish the pawns alone. If you do not get the king and queen ... Let’s not stop here. The question that journalists can address more often is: Why nothing happened from 2009 up to now? The time Mr. Morar was at the DNA he put a lid on it.
MG: Will you initiate a proceeding to find out how the 2012 referendum was hijacked in the direction of democracy?
VP: I know how it was hijacked. The vote was not obtained at the beginning from the CCR.
MG: Is Iohannis ready to be president of Romania?
VP: I think not. I do not want to speak ill of anyone but I want to tell you why I have not received him in the Government – he wanted to be Deputy Prime Minister. I do not think anyone should get position just because they want to.
MG: What is the greatest desire, as president, for the term or terms in the office that you will have?
VP: Not to be tributary to the Master Manole, not to tear down what we have built. No more need for sacrifices. I really think we can break the curse