The minimum wage increases to 3.700 from 1 July, and the tax-free amount will be 300 lei

The measure to cap the trade surplus would be extended to apply to all Romanian foods. Traders do not reject this idea, says Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. He says those who oppose it have not understood the concept already introduced in France to protect domestic producers.

The subject was among the topics discussed at yesterday's meeting of the governing coalition, where the political partners also agreed to change the minimum wage.

More details can be found in Andrei Serban's report: The governing coalition discussed at the Victoria Palace, for over two hours, the increase of the minimum wage, from 3.300 lei per month, as it is now, to 3.700 lei. The Social Democrats and the Liberals agreed to increase this wage from 1 July this year, political sources said, adding that from this wage, the amount that will not be subject to any kind of taxes will increase from 200 lei, as it is now, to 300 lei. This decision should be adopted at this week's government meeting. The sources also said the two parties have also agreed to a 20 percent cap on trade surcharges for products made in Romania. The executive is expected to come up with a decision in this regard in the near future. PSD and PNL also discussed reducing budget spending by limiting it to what is strictly necessary until the first budget rectification this year.

Translated by: Radu Matei