 Following resistance to Comecon plans to extract Romania's mineral resources and heavily utilise its agricultural production, Romania began to take a more independent stance in 1964.While it did not repudiate Comecon, it took no significant role in its operation, especially after the rise to power of Nicolae Ceauşescu.Economic activity was governed by "Five year plans", divided into monthly segments, with government planners frequently attempting to meet plan targets regardless of whether a market existed for the goods being produced.