Craciun is a counselor on economy and transport issues with the Prime Minister’s Chancellery and former general manager of Kandia and Red Bull Romania.
In 2014, CFR Marfa reported a turnover of EUR208 million, similar with the previous year, and losses of EUR6.1 million, although the company officials expected the company to switch to profit.
After massive restructuring, including layoffs back in 2014, CFR Calatori only managed to reduce losses from EUR92 million in 2012, to EUR59 million in 2013 and to EUR6 million in 2014, according to Finance Ministry data. The company hasn’t reported profit since 2008.
Romania tried to privatize the railroad operator in 2013 but the deal fell through when GFR, CFR Marfa’s competitors, owned by businessman Gruia Stoica, failed to make payment by the October 14 deadline. After the failed privatization attempt, the government promised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) it would restructure the company and sacked 2,500 people, around 30% of the staff.
CFR Marfa, controlled by the Transport Ministry, is Romania’s largest freight carrier, with a market share of 54.8%.