The President of Romania Signs Law Implementing European Minimum Wage
President Klaus Iohannis signed a decree on Wednesday for the promulgation of the law establishing the European minimum wage, as reported by the Presidential Administration.
President signing the law on the European minimum wage/FOTO: Archive
Approval and Details of the New Law
The Chamber of Deputies, as the decision-making body, approved the new project on October 22 with 216 votes in favor, 7 against, and 7 abstentions. According to the new project, the gross minimum wage should be between 47% and 52% of the national average gross earnings, as reported by Mediafax.
Minister’s Perspective
Simona Bucura Oprescu, the Minister of Labor and Social Solidarity, stated that the project is a step towards economic and social stability. She believes that the increase in the minimum wage will protect purchasing power.
“With the adoption of this law, we will have better protection for workers in Romania. Wage increases are a step forward for better-paid jobs and for greater economic and social stability. By implementing this law, we aim to reduce working poverty and protect purchasing power,” the minister said.
Initiation and Implementation
The law project was initiated last month by the government, which stated that the minimum income would increase to 4,050 lei starting from January 1st.
“Today, in the National Tripartite Committee, we have established that as of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be 4,050 lei. This puts us on the path to the European minimum wage! We respect the European directive which states that this value should fall between 47% and 52% of the European minimum wage (Romania will be at 47%). We have also agreed to maintain the tax exemption on the first 300 lei of the minimum wage. I appreciate once again the seriousness and responsibility of our social partners, this dialogue being the safe way to ensure a fair level of income for Romanian employees,” announced Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
Conclusion
The implementation of the European minimum wage in Romania marks a significant step towards economic progress and social welfare, ensuring fair compensation for workers and enhancing overall stability. The government’s commitment to European standards and the protection of workers’ rights reflects a positive direction for the country’s labor market.
FAQ
What is the European minimum wage?
The European minimum wage is a standard set by the European Union to ensure fair compensation for workers across member states, aiming to reduce disparities and promote social cohesion.
How will the implementation of the European minimum wage impact Romanian workers?
The implementation of the European minimum wage in Romania will lead to increased wages for workers, better purchasing power, and a reduction in working poverty, ultimately contributing to a more stable and prosperous economy.