Romanian Welfare Policy Since 1989: Poverty Despite Growth

This chapter focuses on the multidimensional transformations of welfare policies in the postcommunist period. It approaches the paradox that Romania has had the highest economic growth in the EU, but scores very high in poverty and social exclusion. This chapter provides reasons to call into question the liberal approach considering economic growth as the main engine of social development, pointing out the need for further intervention to help spread the wealth across society and all social strata. However, as the model relies on historical heritage, reinforced by social institutions, while the public debate has often called its legitimacy into question, there is neither open public opposition to it, nor an alternative mix under debate.