Romanian interim government accused of abuse in controversial salary law

Romania's demissionary cabinet, led by interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and interim Labor Minister Dragoș Pîslaru, has continued work on a contested salary law for public‑sector employees. Legal analysts argue that the government's actions – including negotiating the draft with EU officials and using state resources for the project – could constitute abuse of office and usurpation of official functions under the criminal code. Former Constitutional Court judge Petre Lăzăroiu described the measures as “clear abuse in service,” while lawyer Adrian Toni Neacșu warned that the ministry’s informal consultations bypassed constitutional limits. The Federation of Prison Administration Unions has filed a lawsuit against the government, the Labor Ministry and the General Secretariat, alleging an excess of power in the law‑making process. Minister Pîslaru, speaking in an audio interview, acknowledged gaps in the draft, assured that salaries would not be reduced, and noted that Romania has reached over 60 % absorption of EU recovery funds, anticipating final approval from the EcoFin Council.

The controversy highlights tensions between Romania’s interim authorities, trade unions and legal experts over the legitimacy of legislative activity undertaken by a caretaker government.