Experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are recommending modifications to the recently adopted pension law by the Government. According to government sources cited by Agerpres, the IMF estimates that the expenses resulting from the implementation of the new pension law will be approximately 0.5% of the GDP in 2024 and an additional 1% of the GDP starting in 2025. The IMF mission, following its visit to Romania, is preparing the final Article IV report on the financial situation of Romania, which will be presented to the board. In light of the new pension law, the report will include a paragraph emphasizing that “the projection presented in the report does not include the expenses resulting from the application of the new pension law, estimated at approximately 0.5% of GDP in 2024 and an additional 1% of GDP starting in 2025,” as stated by the source cited by Agerpres. Additionally, it will be mentioned that these additional expenses imply a deficit trajectory inconsistent with fiscal consolidation and achieving the 3% of GDP target. The cited source further highlighted that IMF representatives emphasize the need for the component of the law involving these expenses to be “reconsidered, or the implementation of the law in the proposed form to be reconsidered.” The controversial pension law project, approved by the Executive on Thursday, has sparked debates within the Coalition. According to the Minister of Labor, Simona Bucura Oprescu, 2024 will be the first year in which a government will grant two pension increases—one based on inflation plus 50% of the real increase in the average gross wage, and the other through recalculation. She stated on Thursday that the additional impact compared to the increase in the current law, with recalculation from September to December 2024, amounts to 10 billion lei.
The forecasts made by managers in the second half of 2024, as expressed in the CONFIDEX study, were more pessimistic than the actual economic reality of Romania. The onset of the year, however, marked by surprising events, international geo-political tensions, and the unpredictability of the upcoming presidential elections in Romania, may heighten the caution levels […]
Arval Romania has recently launched Arval Re-Lease, a new service dedicated to the local market focusing on the leasing of used vehicles that have completed an operational leasing contract. Arval Re-Lease is designed to meet the common needs of companies, offering comprehensive solutions to reduce costs associated with vehicle rental, insurance, and maintenance services. Arval […]
Bogdan Crețu’s novel Mai puțin decât dragostea/ Less Than Love is Romania’s nomination for this year’s European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL). The European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL) recognizes emerging fiction writers from the European Union and beyond. Each year, national juries choose their proposal in a rotating selection of countries participating in the […]
Interim president Ilie Bolojan is attending the European Council in Brussels on Thursday, March 6, to signal Romania’s position in favor of strengthening NATO's European pillar, supporting Ukraine, and increasing defense spending. He also met with several European leaders before the summit, including the next chancellor of Germany. European leaders met in Brussels to discuss […]
Russia carried out 34 hybrid attacks against Romania in 2024, according to a report presented in the Italian Parliament, based on information published by Romanian authorities regarding last year’s annulled presidential elections. On March 3, Italy’s ambassador to Bucharest, Alfred Maria Durande, announced that foreign forces were involved in the 2024 presidential elections in Romania....
Le Bistrot Français, part of the prestigious hospitality associations Relais & Châteaux, has started a collaboration with Chef Tom Meyer, one of the most appreciated French cooks, awarded by the Michelin guide and holding the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Starting Monday, March 3, the restaurant’s menu will bear his signature, marking a special […]
