The baptism of the son of Alfred Simonis, president of the Timiș County Council, was held on Saturday in Timișoara. The ceremony, which included a reception, was attended by several leaders of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and other public officials. Among the guests were Minister of Health Alexandru Rogobete, Minister of Education Sorin Ionescu, Minister of Labor Florin Manole, former Health Minister Alexandru Rafila, former Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan, and Mayor of Sector 4 Daniel Băluță. The godfather of the child was former Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu. Photos taken at the event were widely shared on social media. Some images showed guests wearing expensive clothing, including a grey dress and a fur coat that appeared to be made of chinchilla. Online commentators noted the apparent opulence and suggested that the fur coat could cost tens of thousands of lei. The images sparked discussion about the perceived luxury of PSD leaders. On Monday, 3 November, Minister Rogobete was asked about the impact of such images on the public perception of the party and on patients who experience shortages in the Romanian health system. He said: > “It is important that people understand that, in general, it is better not to generalize. The fact that one, two, or three people have created a public narrative of excess at the national level does not mean that the entire Social Democratic Party has this image. That would be incorrect.” Rogobete also addressed concerns about patients’ access to medicines. He stated: > “I assure patients that I am doing everything in my power and working with all institutions and bodies around the Ministry of Health to ensure their access to medicines.” The minister added a general remark about the responsibilities of public officials: > “As a general message, if you hold a public office, if you are a person with public dignity, it is important to maintain your dignity in all forms of expression.” The baptism ceremony also featured other notable attendees, including Lia Olguța Vasilescu and Sorina Docuz, partner of former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The event’s reception was described by some observers as lavish, prompting further debate about the image of PSD leaders at public functions.
Article source: Adev&acaron;rul | Image credit: Adev&acaron;rul