Teachers to boycott national mock exams
Romanian teachers are voicing their grievances once again.
Bogdan Matei, 09.03.2026, 13:50
Trade unionists in the Romanian education system are ramping up their protests against the government’s social and wage policies. As final-year students, those in the 8th and 12th grades, prepare for their “mock” examinations, teachers have announced a full boycott.
Marius Nistor, the leader of the “Spiru Haret” Federation of Education Unions, said that an overwhelming majority of teachers voted against participating in the tests during a school-wide referendum. Nistor explains that the decision stems from mounting frustration over austerity measures implemented by the pro-Western, four-party coalition cabinet (PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR) and a total lack of meaningful dialogue with the authorities.
The national mocks are scheduled for March 16-18, with the Baccalaureate mock exams following over March 23-26. “They can certainly be rescheduled”, Nistor argued, “but until then, I believe this government must understand the message education workers are conveying: one cannot accept austerity measures indefinitely”.
Union leaders are also aggrieved that, to date, no meeting has taken place with the Education Minister to discuss systemic issues. It appears to be a troubled start for the new Minister, Mihai Dimian, who was sworn in just one week ago. Having served as Rector of the “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava in northern Romania since 2024, Dimian previously coordinated scientific research as the institution’s vice-rector between 2012 and 2024. His career also includes a decade at Howard University in Washington D.C., where he served as an assistant and associate professor.
The Education Ministry had been led on an interim basis by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan for several months. This followed the resignation of the unpopular previous minister, Daniel David, at the end of last year, amid a similar wave of protests from both teachers and students.
The start of the current academic year in Romania was marred by protests, as educators protested changes within a budget deficit reduction package for which the government assumed responsibility in Parliament. On September 8, 2025, classes were cancelled in several schools across the country. Teachers refused to attend opening ceremonies, citing increased teaching hours and larger class sizes alongside reduced pay.
Students have joined the teachers in their opposition. They remain at odds with measures adopted last year, which resulted in cuts to scholarship funds and the elimination of certain discounts for local and rail transport. (VP)
