The Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, who met with representatives of the employees within the ministry in the context of protests triggered by the budget deficit reduction plan, stated on Tuesday evening that there is no question of delaying or blocking the payment of pensions and salaries.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday evening by the Ministry of Finance, the dialogue between Minister Alexandru Nazare and the employees focused on identifying solutions to optimize salary grids and reduce unjustified expenses in the budgetary apparatus.
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"Today, I had a firm and honest discussion with colleagues from the Ministry of Finance. We are going through a period that requires measures to reduce budgetary expenses, which naturally creates unrest but also fuels rumors and false alarms."
"I understand the pressure felt by the employees of the Ministry and its subordinate institutions, and I fully respect their right to protest. However, it is essential for all of us to understand that panic caused by rumors and inaccurate information does not reflect reality and does not genuinely help anyone," stated the Minister of Finance, as quoted in the press release.
The Minister emphasized that "there is no question of delaying or blocking the payment of pensions and salaries, as rumored."
"We start from a reality that requires savings where dysfunctions are identified. Romania records a significant budget deficit, which can lead to severe consequences if we do not take the necessary measures in time," added Alexandru Nazare, the Minister of Finance.
Zero Tolerance for Irresponsible Spending of Public Funds
According to data provided by the Ministry of Finance, in 2024, expenses for bonuses and allowances paid to employees in the ministry's own apparatus and subordinate institutions amounted to 370 million lei.
Out of this amount, 360.5 million lei were represented by the bonus for harmful conditions. In addition, employees of the Ministry of Finance and its subordinate institutions received only bonuses for disabilities and allowances for the scientific title of doctor.
"The message is clear: we prioritize performance in the budgetary apparatus and have zero tolerance for irresponsible spending of public funds. We are moving towards a fair salary system that ensures all public sector employees that performance is fairly rewarded."
"I assure all colleagues in the ministry and its subordinate institutions that the cost-cutting measures are not aimed at a specific category of employees, let alone at the employees of the Ministry of Finance, the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF), and other institutions (...) We continue to analyze, together with the unions, solutions and measures that can bring equity and financial predictability," added the Minister of Finance.