Prime Minister's speech on approval of State Budget Law for 2026

Dear citizens, distinguished members of the press, 

Today we are approving in the Government the budget for 2026 - the Responsible Investment Budget. It is a budget based on current economic realities and on our responsibility towards the future: the future of the economy and the future of our children. 

In recent years, the government has stood by the people when we were hit by external crises - post-pandemic effects, war, disruption of supply chains, high energy prices. We have managed to protect people's incomes and also stabilized the economy. This stability allows us to talk today about positive trends and economic growth forecasts of 2.2%-2.8% for 2026. We will speed up this growth! 

We are already seeing the first good signs: in October, industrial production increased by 6.4%, and in the 3rd quarter, construction and assembly works grew by 40.2%. At the same time, we are observing decreasing inflation, so it is not inflationary growth. These are the 'first swallows'! 

Through the Responsible Investment Budget, we propose measures to continue generating sustainable economic growth, so that we can later significantly increase incomes. I understand that people want salary increases now. We would also like to provide them - quickly and significantly. But this would deepen the budget deficit and slow down the economy. The decision not to increase salaries now is a difficult one, but it is a responsible decision. 

I've also heard the requests regarding the need for balance. We will intervene where some public officials' salaries are excessively high. It is responsible to invest now where there is real growth potential, so that in the future everyone's incomes can grow sustainably. 

In this budget: 

Allocations for capital investments increase by 55%, up to 3 billion lei - the largest increase in many years.

We are increasing investments in support programs for entrepreneurs.

We continue investments in nurseries, kindergartens, food and repairs, because we want healthy and well-cared-for children.

We invest in localities, infrastructure and roads that stimulate trade and mobility.

We raise the minimum wage to 6,300 lei and the reference value for salaries from 2,200 to 2,400, helping, first of all, people with low incomes.

We continue compensation programs and investments in access to health.

In 2026, we will adopt a new salary law that will correct inequities and bring improvements for vulnerable categories, including through allowances. 

I thank my colleagues from the ministries - especially the team at the Ministry of Finance, who worked day and night to prepare this budget. 

It's not easy to make unpopular decisions, but our duty is to be responsible. If we don't invest now in a targeted and efficient way, we will not succeed in generating economic growth that would later allow us to have a budget large enough to increase everyone's incomes - teachers, police officers, doctors, officials and all those who work honestly. 

Immediately after the government meeting, Minister Gavriliță will provide details on the budget lines.