“I’m expecting that Geoana (social democrat leader – e.n) and Stolojan (democrat liberal vice-president – e.n.) will state in the first week after the elections that they will hike the wages of teachers, doctors, police officers,” Vosganian said.
On Wednesday, Vosganian said a 50% wage hike for teachers would entail costs of 4.2 million lei (EUR1=RON3.6140), which is 0.74% of the gross domestic product estimated for next year, which can only be ensured by widening the budget deficit or cutting down investments in the education system.
"The law on the teachers’ wage hike has not been approved, and I cannot structure the budget other than by observing existent laws. If this law were approved by November 30 (election day – e.n.), it would be advantageous as it would become effective as of January 1,” Vosganian added.
The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved end September an ordinance stipulating a 50% hike of teachers’ wages. The law was taken to the Constitutional Court by the Government , but the court ruled the law was legitimate.
The money needed to increase teachers’ wages hasn’t been included in the 2009 state budget draft, which the Government will approve next week.
Also Wednesday, Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu sent a letter to president Traian Basescu, which contains extra data Basescu had requested on the economic impact of hiking teachers’ wages and increasing pensions for the first two labor categories.
The head of state has not promulgated the law yet.