USR (Save Romania Union) chair Dominic Fritz on Tuesday stated that the governing coalition parties have reached "a compromise" regarding the local administration reform.
Thus, starting with 2027, a new staffing plan would be applied, which will stipulate a maximum number of positions. On the other hand, 2026 will represent a transition period, and local authorities that do not want to reduce the number of positions just yet will be able to reduce the salary fund, Dominic Fritz mentioned.
"Today it went easier because we found a compromise, in which several points of view could be reconciled. There was an approach that went towards reducing positions and another approach that went towards reducing personnel costs, which could also mean reducing salaries, without laying anyone off. Today we found that compromise, so that in 2026 the mayors and presidents of the county councils can choose which of the two options they want. Either to reduce positions, if they have reached the maximum number of positions on the new plan. Or, if they want to reduce personnel costs, to the same extent, but without laying people off. As of January 2027, this staffing grid applies to everyone, without the compensation option, let's say," the USR leader told Digi 24 private television broadcaster on Tuesday.
Dominic Fritz also specified that in what concerns the Timisoara City Hall the maximum number of positions will be reduced. Such a restructuring has already begun, with 40 people being dismissed from their positions last week.
"We will have to continue on this path, because we need to become more efficient. Citizens deserve a more flexible administration that performs better," he said.
Regarding magistrates' pensions, Dominic Fritz noted that there is "a desire from all parties in the coalition" to achieve a reform in this area.
"Ultimately, I believe that there is a desire from everyone to solve this problem for good. That is, let's not find a formula now through which we can move forward in three or four weeks, only to have the law and the special pension reform fail again at the CCR (Constitutional Court of Romania - editor's note)," the USR president also stated.
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