The president of the Trade Union Federation of Education and Science (FSEȘ), Ghenadie Donos, stated that the main issue that brought people out onto the streets is one of dignity and respect.
“Today, the main issue that brought us out onto the streets is an intangible one: it’s about dignity and the priorities of previous governments, as well as the current one. It’s about respect—or, more precisely, the lack thereof,” said Ghenadie Donos.
Government representatives also attended the protest. The Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, was booed by protesters, but stated that the authorities support the unions’ demand for higher salaries in the education sector.
“We have always endorsed the unions’ demands that salaries in education be above the average wage in the economy; we have always insisted on and fought for this to happen. In 2026, we do indeed face an exceptional situation—one that certainly falls short of your expectations, as well as ours at the Ministry of Education,” said Dan Perciun.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told the protesters that he understands their dissatisfaction and that the authorities will present the measures they have prepared for the education system.
“I understand your disappointment and anger, and you have every right to be angry. I promised I wouldn’t be a populist and that I would tell people how things really are. Things are looking grim on the budget front. Given the budget we have, we’re facing legitimate demands from farmers, road workers, infrastructure, health care, and internal affairs—everyone has legitimate demands,” said Vasile Tofan.
The prime minister announced that at 2:00 p.m., the authorities will announce the solutions for teachers.
“At 2:00 p.m., we’ll make an announcement. This announcement will tell you when the salary payments will begin, when the raises will take effect, and what we’ll do to compensate, so that things are fair. For some of you, I think these measures will be disappointing anyway, but it’s the best we can do,” said the prime minister.
The FSEȘ’s demands focus on upholding the commitment to raise salaries as of September 1, 2026, an increase in the incomes of employees in education and science, as well as the implementation of a salary policy that will help attract and retain qualified personnel in the system.
Some politicians also joined the protest.
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