Romania's labour minister says pensions will be indexed in 2027, with an early estimate of 7.3%, and confirms December aid
Romania's Labour Minister Florin Manole says pensions will be indexed on 1 January 2027 according to the formula set by law, ruling out a freeze. A preliminary, unofficial simulation puts the increase at about 7.3%, costing around 9.6 billion lei, but the figures are not final. He also said the one-off aid for low-income pensioners will be paid in December together with the pension.
Speaking on Antena 3 CNN on Saturday evening, Manole said he would send the indexation proposal, based on the legal formula and on calculations made with the National Public Pension House, to the prime minister and the finance minister. "I don't want to sell illusions, but I don't want to give up pensioners' rights either. My mandate is to respect the law, not to negotiate downwards," he said. He added that for now there is no official scenario for splitting the rise into two or three instalments or replacing part of it with one-off payments.
The December aid is half of the amounts set at the beginning of the year and depends on monthly income: 500 lei for pensioners with incomes of up to 1,500 lei, 400 lei for those between 1,501 and 2,000 lei, and 300 lei for those between 2,001 and 3,000 lei. Manole said the money will arrive together with the pension.
On the minimum wage, the minister said a possible increase will be discussed in November in the National Tripartite Council with unions and employers. In theory it could rise from 1 January 2027, but the governing programme provides for indexation within a 12-month interval. He did not confirm a gross increase of 600 lei that has been circulated in public debate.