Romania's unified salary law faces political stalemate and risk of losing EU funds

Former prime minister Florin Cîțu warned that implementing the unified salary law will require billions in additional spending, likely covered by higher taxes and increased inflation. He cautioned that Romania could approach a rating downgrade.

Social Democratic leader Sorin Grindeanu said the draft displeases almost all public‑sector categories and pledged amendments, while the PSD has announced it will not vote for the law in its current form. The coalition’s former government, led by interim premier Ilie Bolojan, continues to push the bill despite street protests.

Technical talks at Cotroceni are underway to resolve discrepancies, including missing salary coefficient tables for defence and public‑order forces. Lawmakers aim to submit the project to Parliament by mid‑week and seek an extraordinary session. Failure to adopt the law by the end of August could cost Romania up to €700 million in PNRR funding.

Opposition party AUR has declared it will not cooperate with the PSD while Grindeanu leads the chamber, adding further political tension to the salary‑law debate.