Romania’s 2018 budget could be approved by the government at end-November, says Dragnea

The head of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Liviu Dragnea, says the ruling coalition aims to submit the draft budget for 2018 to the government later this month.

“Practically, the draft budget has been completed,” said Dragnea, who is also president of the Chamber of Deputies.

He went on to say that the draft budget might be approved by the government on November 29 and will next be sent to MPs who have the final vote. In the meantime, the coalition is planning to push a separate draft bill regarding the increase of the minimum wage.

After receiving amendments in Parliament, the draft budget will move in the specialized committees after December 1, suggested the PSD head.

Meanwhile, the gross minimum wage is set to reach RON 1,900 next year to back the shift in the payment of social security contributions from employers to employees. This change has to be approved by MPs.