Government begins reorganization of central public administration to reduce expenditures

The Government has begun reorganizing public authorities and institutions by merging agencies with related functions, reducing administrative expenses, and cutting staff numbers. The measures target approximately 161 institutions, which together employ around 52,000 people, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced.

“The issue of savings is becoming increasingly crucial, especially amid the difficult winter and rising prices across the region. We need to generate savings that will help us cover compensation payments as well,” the Prime Minister said.

Since September 9, each ministry has analyzed opportunities for savings and prepared concrete proposals to optimize and merge subordinate structures. The measures will be implemented along two lines: adjusting staff numbers by 10–30%, depending on the institution, and merging certain agencies, particularly those with small staffs.

The Prime Minister noted that the greatest potential for optimization lies within agencies and subordinate structures, rather than ministries, whose staffing levels are already low. The Ministry of Energy, for example, has 59 employees, the Ministry of Health has 69, and the Ministry of Culture has 45.

Merging the agencies will also reduce administrative costs by jointly managing functions such as accounting, human resources, legal assistance, and logistics.

The first processes in this regard have already been initiated. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development is preparing to merge the four structures in the transport sector—the Railway Agency, the National Road Transport Agency, the Naval Agency, and the Civil Aviation Authority. In the forestry sector, the merger of 23 units has been proposed, a measure that could generate savings of up to 70 million lei.

At the same time, the Prime Minister announced that he is making similar changes within the Prime Minister’s Office, aiming to reduce by 39% the number of positions included in the staffing plans for which budget funding is allocated annually. “Any such changes must begin with us. Saving is not only about reducing staff, but also about taking proactive measures to lower expenses wherever possible. Prudent spending of public funds and solidarity will help us get through this winter successfully,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized.