PSD Deputy Marius Budăi emphasized the importance of increasing the minimum wage in Romania, inspired by Germany's decision to raise the minimum wage to 13.90 euros per hour in 2026 and 14.60 euros per hour in 2027. Budăi invited USR to join PSD in supporting this measure, considering that the president of USR, Dominic Fritz, comes from Germany. He argued that if Germany considers this increase necessary, Romania should implement it as well, given the positive impact on purchasing power and consumption.
Budăi criticized the position of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, stating that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to a rise in the budget deficit, but rather supports the economy. In Germany, approximately six million workers will benefit from this increase, and Budăi mentioned that Germany has the fourth highest minimum wage in the EU, after Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Netherlands.