Romania president Traian Basescu declared on Wednesday that, despite all the progress recorded during the past few years, Romania remains a country of contrasts. "Some citizens are excluded from the benefits brought by the accession to the European Union". In his speech in front of the Parliament, Basescu insisted on the fact that "Romania's strategic reserve of efficiency is in the rural environment" and asked for a better life in the countryside. The heads of political parties did not participate in the Parliamentarian session.

Basescu's main points, in brief

* We are before the electoral campaign, the end and the beginning of important political cycles;

* In January 2007, we were all glad for the successful accession to the European Union, and every Romanian hoped for a better life and a better governance;

* We knew at the time that the accession is the beginning - not the end - of our efforts;

* We pass from transition to a time of efficient economic development and democracy consolidation;

* We need a new vision, new motivations, new attitudes and behavior;

* We need new targets for the democratic governance;

* Romania has seen a strong economic growth for two years in a row;

* Private consumption and investments are the main pillars of the economic growth;

* The private area accounts for 70% of the domestic product;

* We have an one-digit inflation rate;

* Services contribute with more than 50% of the GDP;

* I thank the governments for creating a business environment and a business class;

* 3 ministers and 14 parliamentarians are under investigation, a sign that the Justice has become efficient;

* The line the Justice has taken should not change along with the Government;

* There is still plenty to do, since the citizens' trust in the Justice system is at a low level an