Olympic champion in Paris, where he also obtained a bronze medal, David Popovici was rewarded by the Romanian state with the sum of 140,000 euros, and by the tycoon Ion Țiriac, with two electric cars. These are prizes that reward the huge efforts of our young swimming champion, absolutely deserved.
David has a passion for cars and especially high-horsepower ones. That’s why, although he now had the opportunity to invest the money he received in something else, he couldn’t resist the temptation to spend the entire amount on a luxury car, a Porsche Spyder. His passion was harshly criticized by Cristian Păun, one of the important names in the body of university professors on economics at ASE, frequent guest of several televisions.
“David Popovici received from the Romanian Government (that is, from all of us) the sum of 140,000 euros and, from the sponsor Toyota, a Corolla. He got another car. A 150,000 euro Porsche Spyder. His ‘dream’ car. He didn’t like the Corolla. It was not his ‘dream’ car.
He paid VAT of about 22,000 euros for it. It lost 20-30% of its value from the moment it got out the seller’s door. Annual insurance for something like this costs several thousand euros. All the tabloid press took up the news admiringly. Positive news, no.
As an economist, I find the decision extremely uninspired. Better get an apartment in the center of the Capital and rent it out. He was getting a long-term source of income. Or invest with others in a business. Or invest in the stock market, here or abroad. Gain financial independence, not dependence on a luxury car that you are always afraid to drive, that you are afraid to park on the street, that you do not yet have the resources to maintain in the long term.
I know, the man has the right to do what he wants with the money. They are his. He earned it with sweat and sacrifice. However, as he threw them out the window, it seems that he won easily. Many like him, winning the lottery, ended up on the road. Most.
A similar case, but completely upside down, is that of Ana Maria Brânza (14 gold medals). Her parents guided her financially. They did not allow him to do such things with the money from the prizes won in sports. He invested, bought a house, later opened a business… The choices you make are extremely important! Especially when you’re young…”
Source: www.cotidianul.ro
