Romania: Constitutional Court upholds public sector wage freezes

The Romanian Constitutional Court (CCR) has ruled that the freezing of public sector salaries during 2021 and 2022, along with the five-year installment plan for court-ordered wage rights, is constitutional. The decision, published in the Official Gazette on November 4, 2026, follows challenges from the Pro Lex National Union and private individuals regarding unpaid wage rights for special status public officials.

The Court rejected arguments that these measures violated the law, stating they were necessary due to the economic and social situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Judges emphasized that setting public sector salaries falls under the competence of the legislature and can be influenced by the economic context. The ruling also upheld the installment plan for payments recognized by court decisions, describing it as a temporary measure to balance state financial obligations with payment capacity.

Separately, the Romanian government is addressing significant arrears. The Ministry of Justice has secured additional funds to pay over 21 million lei owed to public defenders (avocați din oficiu) for services rendered in court. Additionally, Prime Minister Luca Niculescu indicated that while pension indexation is expected by January 1, 2027, decisions regarding child allowances and the minimum wage remain subject to fiscal evaluations and social partner negotiations.