Fitch Ratings emphasizes that Romania is facing challenges in reducing the budget deficit, maintaining a 'BBB minus' rating with a negative outlook.

Fitch Ratings has revised Romania's budget deficit estimates, forecasting a decrease to 8.5% of GDP in 2023, but with slow reduction prospects in the coming years. Despite fiscal measures, the agency highlights the difficulties in implementing consolidation measures due to reform fatigue and economic uncertainties. The total fiscal deficit will decrease by only 0.3 percentage points in 2024, underscoring the pressures on social spending and the high costs of borrowing. Stabilizing public debt remains essential for improving the rating outlook.