Labor Minister Marius Budai says that the government is discussing a 10% increase in pensions, as well as support for pensioners with low pensions and vulnerable categories, especially in winter. The statement was made in the context when the leaders of the coalition are discussing before the voters the topic of raising pensions and publicly put forward different percentages of the increase, the most circulated at the moment is 15%.

• “We, the PSD, have not changed our option, we have said very clearly since the end of August that a minimum increase of 10 percent is required.
• The president of the party, Marcel Čolaku, also presented a version in which he says that in the same budget envelope, for example, for a 15% increase, for everyone, we are talking about those who are currently contributors, we are going to Increase 10% and because of the difference in the budgetary influence, support the unprotected category, support pensioners with smaller pensions.
• We are in the debate, we are, as you know, in the construction of the budget for 2023.
• We must be very attentive to the evolution of prices, these increases must go in parallel or at the same time as other measures to prevent the increase in energy prices and to support, of course, employers, because in the end the best social protection is the availability of work,” said Marius Budai on Sunday evening on Romanian TV.

When asked what the final options are for the pension increase, Budai said the coalition leaders will make a statement when a “final decision” is made, noting that they are currently working on the 2023 budget, which includes an increase in the amount of the pension point. a pension will be found.

According to the Minister of Labor, “the option with the greatest chance of implementation” would be one in which all pensions would increase by 10%, and those receiving pensions below 2,200 lei would receive help to pay their bills.

• “I would choose an option that also supports vulnerable categories of the population.
• We are obliged to realize this social solidarity in order to get out of this winter as best as possible (…)
• I clearly explain that pensions are not increased by a fixed percentage, it is discussed, pensions are increased by increasing the pension point,” added Marius Budai.

Prime Minister Nicolae Chuke announced on October 21 that starting in 2023, pensions will be increased by 15% or by another figure to cover inflation.

President Klaus Iohannis also spoke about increasing pensions, saying:

• “If we are talking about increasing pensions, then we have to look at it in a broader context. 10%, 11% were screwed up, but we cannot expect that pensioners will pay the price of the crisis and in conditions when we have inflation of more than 15%, I believe that it would be fair to take into account this inflation increase, and then in my opinion it should be more of an increase. I don’t know if the budget allows for a 15% increase, but I think that an increase that compensates well for inflation should pay more attention to those , who have small pensions, because that is where the biggest problems arise.”

When asked if pensions could be increased to 15%, as suggested by Klaus Iohannis, PSD leader Marcel Čolaku avoided confirming the percentage, but subtly attacked the president:

• “It is important that all political forces, recently the President of Romania, although he does not have this area of ​​responsibility, we agree that pensions should be increased, and not only that.
• Wages also need to be increased, the minimum wage to 3000 lei, once again a one-time income increase for some vulnerable categories to overcome this period of inflation and energy crisis. There are also discussions in the EU, because the vouchers already offered by the Government are also supported by European funds.”