(ANSA-AFP) - BUCHAREST, NOV 30 - In a working class
neighborhood of Bucharest, pensioners like Ana Sandu wait for
the afternoon to buy food when prices are lower, as inflation
dampens hopes of a better life in the EU state heading into key
elections. Traditionally loyal to the Social Democrats, the
65-year-old Sandu has little faith that any government will
offer a remedy. She hinted at favouring far-right contender
Calin Georgescu in a presidential runoff vote on December 8.
Living on a monthly pension of about $400, suffering from
diabetes and with a husband suffering from Parkinson's disease,
Sandu depends on money sent by her son working abroad. Romania
is one of Europe's poorest countries and she spends more than
300 lei ($60) just on medicine and at least $150 on electricity,
water and other utilities. "I don't even think about buying
meat. I buy vegetables," she said. "I come to the bazaar in the
afternoon because it's cheaper," she said showing a bag of
grapes that cost just 6 lei ($1). While Romania's inflation has
fallen from 10 percent last year, it remains high with consumer
prices at an annual rate of 5.1 percent in October, according to
the EU statistics office. Far-right politicians are banking on
voter anger about the economy amid the political uncertainity
after Georgescu's shock win in the first-round of the
presidential election. Romania is bracing for a legislative
election on Sunday plus the run-off vote between Georgescu, an
admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a pro-European
centrist contender. Romania's constitutional court could still
cancel the December 8 vote. (ANSA-AFP).
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
