newsweek.ro/economie/majorarea-salariului-minim-o-

The minimum gross salary in Romania has increased multiple times recently, reaching 4,325 lei in July 2026. Unions are advocating for a further increase to 4,652 lei by January 2027. However, calculations suggest that this increase effectively represents a hidden tax hike, with the state benefiting significantly more than employees. For instance, if the minimum wage rises to 4,652 lei, employers would incur an additional cost of 339 lei per employee, while workers would see only 116 lei more in their pockets. This situation highlights the ongoing issue of low wages and high taxation in Romania, with calls for tax reductions on labor to alleviate poverty among workers. A legislative proposal aimed at addressing these concerns has been submitted but remains unaddressed by political parties.