Hot topics of the second fiscal package
Talks continue in Bucharest on the measures in the second fiscal package.
Daniela Budu, 05.08.2025, 14:00
After assuming responsibility in Parliament, at the beginning of July, for the first package of fiscal measures, the Government and the ruling coalition in Bucharest are analyzing the measures included in the second fiscal package aimed at economic recovery and reducing Romania’s budget deficit. Among the measures discussed are the reform of the local administration, reducing the number of local police officers and investments that may still receive funding this year under the Anghel Saligny program. The Ministry of Development continues to analyze each project separately, at the request of the mayors who are unhappy with the fact that many of the projects launched for the development of local communities could be blocked due to lack of money. The Minister of Public Works, Development and Administration, Cseke Attila, explained on a private television station that a 20% reduction in the number of positions in local public administration is being considered and that there is a need to streamline the activity of central authorities, where measures will also have to be taken.
The second package would also include the reform of state-owned companies and the streamlining of the activity of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) for collecting revenues to the state budget, as well as measures to expedite access to European funds or health reform. As for state-owned companies, the Government proposes measures to increase transparency, professionalize and depoliticize the management of public enterprises. The second package of fiscal measures should have been adopted by mid-July, but it will probably be delayed due to lack of agreement on the suspension of some projects from the Anghel Saligny local development program and the reform projects in state-owned companies.
After adopting the second package, the Government in Bucharest will continue with a third set of fiscal measures. One of the most important points in this latest package is the reform of special pensions for magistrates. Discussions on this topic have already begun. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan proposed that magistrates’ pensions be reduced to a maximum of 70% of the last net salary and that the retirement age be increased to 65 years. President Nicuşor Dan has discussed with the magistrates’ representatives, without reaching a result. In this context, over 85,000 citizens are asking President Nicuşor Dan to launch a referendum on the issue of special pensions. The Declic community claims that Romania needs a transparent system in which each pension reflects the real contributions of the beneficiary, regardless of the profession or position held. The document calls for a solution for all special pensions, not just those of magistrates. (EE)
