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Sociologist Ștefan Guga argues that the minimum wage should be legally mandated to increase, rather than subject to political negotiation. The government postponed the wage increase for 2026 and is reconsidering adjustments for 2027. Guga emphasizes that existing legislation requires annual updates based on inflation and productivity, making the government's delay a violation of the law. He highlights the negative impact on workers' purchasing power and insists that raising the minimum wage is crucial for improving living standards. Despite business concerns about job losses due to wage hikes, Guga cites historical data showing no adverse effects from previous increases. The National Trade Union Bloc advocates for a minimum wage of 5,000 lei starting January 2027, citing significant losses in purchasing power for workers.