Valeriu Zgonea was born on September 3rd, 1967, Craiova, Dolj County. He studied at "Frații Buzeşti" in Craiova, one of the most prestigious colleges in Romania, and at the National Institute of Civil Engineering Bucharest - Faculty of Railways, Roads and Bridges. He has two M.A. degrees from the National Defense College and Superior College for National Security. Member of the Social Democratic Party since 1996, he was part of campaign staff for local and national elections. From 2015 he is Executive President SDP. He has over fifteen years of parliamentary experience, being elected MP in 2000, at only 33 years. During this period, he held relevant positions for legislative work, being secretary, quaestor, group leader or vice president until his election in 2012 as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. Prior to Romania's accession to EU, in the period 2005 - 2006, he was euro-observer on behalf of Romania in the European Parliament - Socialist and Social - Democratic Group, Budget Committee. One of the main objectives declared when he assumed office was the modernization of the legislative body, which led to consultations in order to modify the Status of Deputies and Senators and the Rules of Procedure for Chamber of Deputies and to adopt a MPs Code of Conduct. He also developed Prime Minister’s Hour” and “Minister's Hour” and has stimulated the process of EU Directives transposition into Romanian legislation.
1) What is your current position?
I am the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, one of the two Chambers of the Romanian Parliament. I began my mandate in 2012 and I can tell you that it is an honor to represent this fundamental institution of the democratic system. I'm also executive president of the Social Democratic Party, the largest and most important political party in Romania.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I think the most important things that I have done are the reforms initiated in order to improve the activity of the Chamber of Deputies by making it more transparent, more efficient and open to citizens. I wanted and succeeded to a large extent to transform the Chamber of Deputies into a genuine forum for debating the most important problems of the Romanian society. Together with my colleagues, I tried to find fair and effective solutions to solve problems faced by citizens. I initiated and passed laws with high social and economic impact, each being a success for all Romanians. At the same time, the Chamber of Deputies actively participates in setting up a new legislative framework and consolidating Romania’s position among European states. Another of my concerns was developing partnerships and collaboration relations with regional and international organizations, parliamentary assemblies, think-tanks, universities and NGOs. Alongside the legislative process, our efforts have focused on the need to make the parliamentary activity more transparent and for this matter, all debates held in committees and the plenary sessions are broadcasted live on our webpage. Of course, I can tell you I'm proud of my children. For each parent, children are the most important achievement.
3) What inspires you?People who struggle to turn their dreams into reality and are characterized by determination, courage and the lack of fear against failure. Honest and fair people, who do not infringe their principles under any circumstances. I feel inspired by the life stories of those who manage to overcome their limits, to achieve their goals when everything seems to be their adversary. There are many people that are giving everyday free lessons of dignity, patience, faith and hope.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
To win people's trust and, especially, to keep that trust. For 15 years, since I am an MP, I made every effort not to disappoint citizens who have given me their trust and voted for me to represent them in the Romanian Parliament. It is very difficult to win people's trust, but you can easily lose it.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Certainly, my mother, who unfortunately past away one year ago. She was strong, dignified, devoted and very energetic. She was involved in social projects for young people, promoting principles and values to help them overcome life's obstacles. She was the one who told me, as a teenager, that I have to be always honest and work seriously to achieve something in life, because things don’t fall out of the sky. I started from scratch, I went step by step on both professional and political plan. My mother did not pace me at all, she was my biggest supporter and my toughest critic. She helped me achieve everything I had and to a great extent I owe these things to her.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Increasing and strengthening public confidence in Parliament, but also increase its role in European decision-making process, in representing the interests of the country. The Chamber of Deputies has the ability and means to engage in debates on European policy to promote Romania’s legitimate interest. I managed to develop a better cooperation with Romanian institutions representing the state in foreign relations and with the Parliaments of other countries. Parliamentary diplomacy has an important role in enhancing cooperation among states.
7) And the worst?
Oh, there are many! Firstly, I haven’t had enough time to accomplish everything I wanted and for family I barely manage to find any time. My busy agenda made me forget what is like to have a quiet walk in the park on a Sunday, with my children. On the other hand, limited resources do not allow us to adopt measures that society expects of us.
8) What are your long term goals?
To carry out the commitments I made to citizens and reach the major goals for Romanians. I cannot do this alone, but together with all my colleagues. I want to contribute further toconsolidation of democracy and rule of law in Romania, to the welfare of the people in my country, so that I can look with confidence in the eyes of every citizen. At the same time,I want to be one of those that will strengthen the future modern social democracy in Romania, because I believe in social justice and solidarity. Equal opportunities and public good are not just words, are principles which can influence the direction of the whole society.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
It is a rather difficult question, because Romania was well governed in recent years, the economy revived. For the first time since we joined the EU, Romania has succeeded in having - in 2015 - the highest growth in Europe. This increase is due to sustainable companies and investors who have trusted in the Romanian economy, and good government decisions - reducing the VAT and CAS, attracting European funds. They have taken steps expected by citizens, increased wages, pensions and social support for disadvantaged groups while allowances for children were doubled. What would I change? State vision for a more effective state, serving its citizens. And I would promote more women in governmental positions. That is not because I want to follow latest trends from other countries, but because I have total confidence in the potential of women, their strength, ambition and ability to organize and manage things so as to achieve excellence.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I rather not be marooned on an island, but if this ever happens, I let the destiny choose my companion.
