Pensioners increasingly affected by rising prices: money barely covers bills and medication

A growing number of Romanians report that their income no longer covers basic monthly expenses. After paying their bills, they are left with very little for food and medical treatment. According to Realitatea PLUS, pensioners are feeling the impact of recent price rises most acutely, with many saying their standard of living has visibly declined.

Discontent with the country's leadership

Those interviewed are critical of the way the country is being run, citing corruption and poor decision-making by politicians. Some believe that those currently in power are pursuing personal interests rather than genuinely addressing the needs of the population, whilst others connect the current situation to past elections, saying the wrong choices were made at the ballot box.

Criticism also extends to the way economic issues are being handled in Parliament. Many of those questioned believe the country cannot recover without a change at the top. One of them summed up the general mood as follows: "Everything rots from the head down. If nothing is done at that level, we haven't got a chance."

Pension swallowed up by medicines and bills

The case of one retired woman illustrates the difficulties faced by many older people: with a pension of 2,256 RON, she spends around 300 RON every month on medication alone. After paying her bills and covering her treatment, the money left over barely stretches to her other expenses. "It's hard for everyone, not just for me. There are people with a smaller pension than mine who are struggling even more," she said.