adevarul.ro/economie/romania-da-pe-dobanzi-de-pest

Romania's interest payments on state loans reached 50.6 billion lei in the first nine months of 2026, significantly exceeding savings from public sector salary cuts. This increase in debt costs, amounting to 10.69 billion lei more than the previous year, has overshadowed the government's efforts to reduce personnel expenses. Analysts warn that rising interest payments limit budget flexibility, impacting investments in health and education. The budget deficit decreased to 3.82% of GDP, but without credible deficit reduction, future interest costs could surpass education and health budgets. The focus should be on reducing the deficit while maintaining investment levels to ensure fiscal credibility and lower borrowing costs.