Pensioners, the Hardest Hit by Rising Prices: Giving Up Holidays, Clothes, and Even Food

More and more Romanians say they can no longer cope with rising prices and are being forced to cut their everyday expenses. For many families, money goes primarily on bills, food and medicines, whilst things previously considered normal — such as a holiday or new clothes — are being postponed or cut from the budget entirely, according to Realitatea PLUS.

People interviewed describe trying to buy less, but say there are some expenses they simply cannot avoid. One woman says: "I try to buy less... but I have to take my medicines." Other Romanians describe the situation as increasingly difficult: "It's very hard... that's just how it is," whilst one of them speaks of "an economic disaster," given the current climate.

Pensioners hit hardest

Retired people appear to feel the effects of rising prices most acutely, with every price increase immediately impacting their budget. One man says: "For me as a pensioner, so many things are very expensive... things I can no longer easily afford." Another describes a situation that is steadily worsening: "Day by day prices keep going up... they're cutting our pensions."