The Romanian government has taken a significant decision by adopting Emergency Ordinance 4/2025, which temporarily suspends salary increases for certain categories of employees. This measure comes in a delicate economic context, where the pressure of a significant budget deficit has pushed the authorities to reconsider public spending.
One of the categories affected by the ordinance is forestry employees. According to the Forestry Code, they were to benefit from a 25% salary increase in 2025, as previously provided for. However, the changes were introduced by suspending paragraph (4) of Article 137 of Law No. 331/2024, which was intended to strengthen the income of forestry personnel.
The list of institutions impacted by this measure includes a variety of entities essential for the management and protection of forests in Romania. These include the National Forest Authority and the National Forest Guard, various regional forest guards, regime forestry offices, as well as the National Forest Regia - Romsilva. The National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry is also affected by the suspension, thus affecting staff involved in research and development in the forestry sector.
The decision was taken during a government meeting held at the Victoria Palace on February 20, 2025. This date marks a turning point in the government's fiscal policy, which aims to manage the country's financial resources more efficiently.
The move is part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing government spending at a time of economic instability. With the economy facing multiple challenges, including rising public debt and the need for investment in various critical sectors, the government is trying to balance the budget in the short and medium term.
Reactions to the decision have been mixed. While some economic experts argue that such measures are necessary to stabilize the economy, representatives of forest sector employees expressed concern that the suspension could negatively affect staff morale and efficiency, as well as efforts to sustainably manage Romania's forests.
In conclusion, by suspending some planned salary increases, the government is trying to cope with pressing economic challenges. However, the impact on forestry staff and relevant institutions will require careful monitoring to ensure that conservation and environmental protection objectives are not compromised in this fiscal adjustment process.
