Thousands of Romanian Teachers Protest School Restructuring, Budget Cuts in Bucharest

Thousands of Romanian teachers marched in Bucharest and suspended classes nationwide to protest government austerity measures, including increased teaching hours without pay raises, school mergers, and cuts to scholarships. The demonstrations, involving more than 10,000 participants, demanded the resignation of the education minister and reversal of the restructuring policies, emphasizing that education should be considered an investment. These protests come amid Romania's efforts to reduce the European Union's highest budget deficit from 9.3% of GDP to just over 6% by 2026 through spending cuts and tax hikes. The government, led by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, is also implementing cuts in healthcare, state-owned companies, and public administration to achieve fiscal consolidation. Education Minister Daniel David stated that the austerity measures are unlikely to be reversed despite public opposition. The protests reflect broader social discontent with the coalition government's spending-cut agenda.