The Government approved the draft State Budget Law for 2026, promoted as the “Budget of Responsible Investments,” but the document raises questions about the sustainability of public finances. Although the Executive claims it is modernizing the economy and increasing competitiveness, the budget presents a massive deficit of 20.9 billion lei and shows a heightened dependence on external financing, estimated at 5.71 billion lei.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu acknowledged that the Government cannot offer substantial salary increases at the moment, invoking the risk of deepening the budget deficit. “It is not easy to take unpopular decisions, but our duty is to be responsible and to invest where there is real growth potential,” he stated, while trade unions and public sector employees continue to demand immediate wage increases.
Although the authorities project optimistic economic growth of up to 2.8% in 2026, the budget continues to rely heavily on external loans and grants, which remain one of its main vulnerabilities. At the same time, the Government highlights a 55% increase in capital investments—up to 3 billion lei—yet critics argue that these investments will not improve the short-term situation of people with low incomes.
The Government will raise the minimum wage to 6,300 lei and the reference value to 2,400 lei—an adjustment that observers consider insufficient compared to recent price increases. The Executive also promises a new salary law for 2026, but it has not yet clarified who will actually benefit. Meanwhile, the budgets for healthcare and social protection remain under strain: the CNAM funds are already entering deficit, and the social insurance budget is barely balancing.