Dear Prime Minister,
We have taken note of the Romanian Government’s public communication regarding your meeting with the management of Wizz Air, held at Victoria Palace at the company’s request.
In a democratic state, meetings of this nature are not merely formalities. They send a public message about government priorities, about the standards Romania chooses to validate in its relationship with strategic investors, and about how the state understands its role as an arbiter between economic interests, workers’ rights, and the public interest.
Romania needs foreign investment, connectivity, and the development of its aviation industry. At the same time, these objectives cannot be separated from compliance with national and European law, fair competition, and the protection of workers’ and consumers’ rights. Sustainable economic development requires a balance between commercial interests and the public good. These principles are not optional, nor can they be detached from the broader narrative of economic growth.
In this context, we believe it is necessary to point out that Wizz Air has, for several years, been facing a problematic legal and reputational situation, publicly documented across several European states, including Romania. This includes final court rulings concerning unlawful dismissals and discriminatory practices, sanctions related to trade union activity and nationality-based criteria, as well as a persistent refusal to engage in social dialogue. Added to this is a significant volume of complaints submitted by passengers and consumer protection organizations regarding commercial practices and respect for passenger rights.
The seriousness of this context is further emphasized by the fact that authorities outside the European Union have cited the company’s litigation record and the lack of clear guarantees regarding workers’ rights as relevant factors in major administrative decisions, including licensing procedures. The refusal to grant an operating license by United States authorities was based, among other considerations, on the company’s litigation record in Romania and over concerns about its safety oversight.
Prime Minister,
We do not dispute the Government’s role in engaging with major investors, nor the need to support the development of aviation infrastructure and air connectivity. What we are highlighting is the need for balance, transparency, and consistency so that the public message is clear: Romania supports investment to the same extent that it upholds the rule of law, workers’ rights, and fair competition.
Without this balance, high-level meetings risk being perceived as tacit validation of practices that have already been sanctioned by courts and authorities, a perception that serves neither the public interest nor the credibility of state institutions.
This letter is a call for institutional responsibility and for the consolidation of a governance framework that clearly signals that economic development is not built through the tolerance of abuses but through the consistent application of the law and respect for people.
Note: This open letter is published in both Romanian and English. The Romanian version has been formally transmitted to the Prime Minister of Romania.
