Bucharest considers cutting maternity and newborn financial incentives

The Bucharest City Hall is considering significant changes to social welfare programs for families. A proposal is being analyzed by the General Council to abolish the ‘Maternity Voucher’ program, which has provided pregnant women with 2,000 lei in vouchers since 2018 to cover medical expenses and medications. Officials cite financial pressure on the local budget, noting that the program costs approximately 24 million lei annually, and argue that pregnant women already have access to free medical services through the National Health Insurance House (CNAS).

Additionally, a separate proposal aims to reduce the newborn incentive from 2,500 lei to 2,000 lei. This plan also introduces stricter eligibility requirements: both parents would need to have had continuous residency in Bucharest for at least 12 months, rather than just one parent for six months. Furthermore, a new condition would disqualify parents who have outstanding debts to the local budget.