Romania: inconsistent and unpredictable policy implementation

Gherghina, S. and Ilinca, S. (2022) Romania: inconsistent and unpredictable policy implementation. In: Lynggaard, K., Jensen, M. D. and Kluth, M. (eds.) Governments’ Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic in Europe: Navigating the Perfect Storm. Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, pp. 123-134. ISBN 9783031141447 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-14145-4_11)

Abstract

Romania’s reaction to COVID-19 was characterized by sharp contrasts between the initial measures and subsequent developments. The country reacted swiftly in March 2020 and launched a State of Emergency to curb the virus spread. Called for the first time since the regime change in 1989, this procedure limits citizens’ constitutional rights. The country was among the first EU Member States to close schools and borders, ban public events, suspend the activity of restaurants and non-essential shops and impose movement restrictions on the population. However, one year and a half later the country had many deaths and high rate of infections. Similarly, the vaccination campaign started very well in January 2021, with clear planning, but in less than one year the country was second last in the EU in terms of vaccinated share of population. These apparent paradoxes are explained through the disempowerment of experts, inconsistent actions and limited predictability of policies in Romania throughout the pandemic.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Keywords: Romania, COVID-19, policy implementation.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gherghina, Dr Sergiu
• Authors: Gherghina, S., and Ilinca, S.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• ISBN: 9783031141447
• Published Online: 02 December 2022