The leaders of the parties in the governing coalition have reached a compromise for the adoption of the social measures proposed by the PSD: money will be taken from the magistrates.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced on Thursday, at the end of the coalition meeting, that a formula has been found to include the PSD proposal regarding the social package (of 1.1 billion lei) in the budget.
"Taking into account the budgetary situation, the crisis related to the Gulf war, and the overall context we find ourselves in, a formula has been found to support the proposal related to the social package by the coalition. There were two possibilities. The first was to increase the budget deficit, which was not accepted.
The second option agreed upon is to reduce other expenses. Analyzing the budget structures, we have decided to reduce the component of expenses related to the payment of rights obtained by magistrates through sentences won in previous years," the Prime Minister stated.
Ilie Bolojan emphasized that the debate in Parliament will resume on Thursday at noon.
"Under these circumstances, the Budget Committee discussions will resume at noon, and we aim to start the actual debates in the plenary session tonight and to approve the budget tomorrow," the Prime Minister stated.
Grindeanu declares satisfaction with the coalition meeting
Similarly, PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu stated that he is satisfied with the coalition meeting.
"I am satisfied with the coalition meeting. PSD managed to impose the solidarity package in its entirety. However, there is still a question mark. It took a lot of tension. The same was true for the economic recovery package, approved only after 6 months.
But it's good that it ends well. I am convinced that the schemes proposed by the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Agriculture for the increase in fuel prices will also be accepted. I would like the approval process to be faster," Grindeanu stated.
Kelemen Hunor: It's a victory for vulnerable people
The conclusions of the coalition leaders' meeting represent a victory for vulnerable people, stated the UDMR President, Kelemen Hunor.
Asked at the end of the meeting, which took place in the office of the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Sorin Grindeanu, if the decision made represents a victory for the PSD, he replied: "No, it's a victory for vulnerable people."
Asked about what to expect from magistrates who have outstanding salaries won in court, Kelemen Hunor said: "I don't know, it's not my expertise. I accepted this proposal, but I don't want to get involved."
What happens with CASS for mothers
During discussions with coalition leaders, Ilie Bolojan did not agree to eliminate the health contribution for mothers (women in the period when they receive the child-raising allowance).
Asked about the amendment regarding the elimination of CASS for certain categories, Grindeanu said: "We will continue the legislative process, it is now in the Chamber of Deputies, having passed the Senate. We will follow the legislative process. The respective amendment will be withdrawn from the budget."
Nicușor Dan's appeal
Previously, from Brussels, President Nicușor Dan urged coalition leaders to find a compromise solution for the adoption of the budget. He assured that it will pass through Parliament in March.
"As you know, there is currently a discussion within the coalition regarding the budget, and I urge political leaders to find a compromise solution. We will have the budget in March, as I said. The sooner, the better," the head of state declared.
Asked about the future of the coalition, Nicușor Dan replied: "It is democratic to have meetings, but I believe that the 4 pro-Western parties in Romania are destined to govern together."
Where the budget got stuck
Discussions on the state budget for 2026 were suspended on Wednesday in the joint Budget-Finance committees due to a new political deadlock, and the scheduled joint plenary session for Wednesday evening was postponed.
Tensions escalated after PSD threatened not to vote on annexes 1 and 2 of the budget if the requested amount of 1.1 billion lei for social measures for pensioners and low-income individuals was not identified.
Specifically, the dispute revolved around the PSD amendment which proposed an increase of 1.1 billion lei to the budget of the Ministry of Labor for social assistance.
PSD Senator Daniel Zamfir explicitly stated, during an exchange with the Finance Minister, that the party would not support the annexes without this amount.
In the absence of PSD votes, PNL and USR did not have the necessary majority to continue the work, leading to the suspension of the committee meeting for the second time on the same day.