Mass protests by teachers at the start of the school year in Romania

Romania has started the new school year in a tense atmosphere. According to police, more than 10,000 teachers and numerous students marched in Bucharest against drastic cuts in education.
Classes were interrupted nationwide.

The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Daniel David and the withdrawal of measures that include an increase in the average weekly working hours from 18 to 20, larger class sizes, and the closure of small schools.

The government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in office since June, argues that without savings in the public sector, the high budget deficit cannot be reduced. Romania currently has the highest deficit in the EU.

In addition to tax increases, the cabinet is therefore focusing on cuts in education, health, and administration.

The unions criticize that the measures would only bring minimal savings and would seriously jeopardize the quality of education.

Minister David stated that a reversal was unrealistic.

The government wants to reduce the deficit from 9.3 percent of GDP in 2024 to just over six percent by 2026 in order to secure access to billions in EU funds.

(reuters, red)