The number of employees in state institutions decreased significantly in 2025. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, in August, there were 1,268,801 occupied positions, 34,762 fewer than in July.
Compared to the beginning of the year, the total decrease is 43,707 employees.
The figures indicate the most extensive staff reduction in recent years and suggest a "slimming down" of the public sector, writes TVR Info.
Education, the most affected: over 31,000 contracts terminated
The Ministry of Education records the largest loss of personnel - over 31,000 employees - explained by the termination of fixed-term contracts of teaching and auxiliary staff, with the end of the school year.
Reductions also took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (-653 positions), the Ministry of Defense (-57 positions), and the Ministry of Finance (-95 positions).
Romania, below the European average in the share of public employees
Although the public perception is that the administrative apparatus is oversized, Eurostat data from 2024 shows that Romania is below the European average regarding the share of public sector employees relative to the total workforce: about 25%, compared to over 30% in countries like Sweden or Denmark.
Thus, the issue seems to be more about efficiency rather than volume.
Job cuts - the effect of budgetary pressures and promised reforms
The massive reduction of staff comes amid pressure from Brussels to reduce the budget deficit and is part of a broader governmental restructuring plan. The Executive is considering implementing a "zero-based budget" and restructuring institutions, with the stated goal of increasing administrative efficiency.
However, experts warn that if layoffs are not strategically made, but only to cut costs, public services could suffer.