Bucharest's budget for 2026: 8.4 billion lei with investments in infrastructure, heating, and public transport

The Capital City Hall has published the budget project for the year 2026, estimated at 8.4 billion lei, of which 2.7 billion lei are allocated for investments. The priorities include modernizing the heating system, with over one billion lei allocated, and nearly one billion lei for public transport, including the modernization of tram lines and the purchase of electric vehicles.

Other investments target road infrastructure, bike lanes, and public lighting. However, 5.7 billion lei of the budget is allocated for operational expenses, and Mayor Ciprian Ciucu emphasized the dependence on government allocations, which limits the financial autonomy of the City Hall.

He criticized the delay in adopting the budget and highlighted the accumulated debts of 3.5 billion lei from previous years. Ciucu called for a reform of finances to ensure long-term budgetary predictability, mentioning the difficulties in implementing the local referendum regarding the distribution of funds.