Romanian teachers rally before Parliament demanding education law reforms
On 25 June 2026, teachers’ unions in Romania staged a protest in front of the Palace of Parliament, beginning at 11:00. The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Education (FSLI), the Federation of Education Unions “Spiru Haret” and the National Trade Union Federation “Alma Mater” – together representing more than 300 000 education staff – announced they would submit over 160 000 signatures gathered from educators to support a legislative initiative aimed at amending the Education Laws (numbers 198/2023 and 199/2023) and repealing provisions of Law 141/2025 introduced by Minister Bolojan.
The unions demand a return to pre‑2025 teaching norms, smaller class sizes (maximum 22 pupils in primary and 26 in secondary), the separation of the 8th‑grade class, correct hourly remuneration, an installation bonus equivalent to three base salaries for teachers posted in disadvantaged regions, and scholarships equal to the net salary of a junior teacher for dual‑specialisation or master’s‑level teaching degrees. They also call for the abolition of austerity measures that increased class sizes and reduced teachers’ pay.
Union leader Simion Hăncescu said, “Este vorba de revenirea la norma didactică de 18 ore și la efectivul de elevi la clasă” and warned, “Boicotul la examenul de Bacalaureat nu poate fi făcut decât de fiecare persoană în parte.” The protest occurs days before the national Baccalaureate exams, which begin on 29 June, and the unions state that a boycott could follow if their demands are not addressed.