Parliament has voted in the first reading on the draft State Budget Law for 2026. The document aims to strengthen economic resilience, develop infrastructure, boost private sector competitiveness, and promote strategic investments in priority areas of the economy. In addition, the minimum salary in the public sector will increase from 5,500 to 6,300 lei, TRIBUNA reports.

In 2026, revenues are expected to grow by 5.1% compared to the current year, exceeding 79.67 billion lei. The largest share of projected revenues (91.4%) will come from taxes and duties. According to the Ministry of Finance, revenue growth is driven by moderate economic expansion, favorable external developments, and progress in structural reforms.

At the same time, expenditures will rise by 7% compared to 2025, surpassing 100.57 billion lei. Of this, 93% will be covered by general state budget resources, while more than 5.7 billion lei will come from external sources.

The 2026 budget emphasizes responsible investments: capital expenditures will increase by 35.6% compared to 2025, exceeding 3 billion lei — the highest in recent years. Funds are allocated for 85 infrastructure projects, including roads, nurseries, food programs, and kindergarten repairs. Additionally, 5.6 billion lei from the EU Growth Plan will support investment, infrastructure, and reforms.

The largest share of capital investments (over 47%) targets the economic sector — 1.44 billion lei, of which 81.8% are directed to road rehabilitation projects financed from external sources. Another 245 million lei are allocated for water supply and sewage projects.

The document also provides 16.1 billion lei (16% of total expenditures) for general public services. Of this, 74% is earmarked for development programs and sectoral activities such as IT implementation, diaspora support, and financial assistance to administrative-territorial units.

Economic services will receive 14.85 billion lei, 25.8% more than in 2025, including:

• 1.06 billion lei for SME support,
• 561.8 million lei for electricity generation and storage,
• 465.2 million lei for the National Fund for Agriculture and Rural Development,
• 284 million lei for the National Fund for Regional and Local Development.

9.89 billion lei (9.8% of expenditures) are allocated to healthcare: building an integrated regional network, implementing electronic health records, medicine monitoring systems, and expanding access to innovative drugs. Education will receive 21.94 billion lei, including:

• 238 million lei for free meals in lower secondary schools,
• 35 million lei for increasing student scholarships,
• 41 million lei for kindergarten renovations.

Social protection will be allocated 22.47 billion lei.

“It is essential that the planned budget is fully utilized. We will closely monitor its execution,” stated Radu Marian, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance.

According to estimates, the 2026 state budget will end with a deficit of 20.9 billion lei, financed from both domestic and external sources. After finalization, the document, supplemented with proposals from parliamentary factions, standing committees, and MPs, will be submitted to Parliament for the second reading.