On March 20, after the Social Democrats (PSD) reached an agreement with Liberal (PNL) prime minister Ilie Bolojan on the “solidarity package”, the joint chambers of the Romanian Parliament approved the 2026 budget, with 319 votes against 104 and three abstentions. The general government budget deficit was set at 6.25% of GDP, but the outdated underlying macroeconomic scenario (1% economic growth, 6.5% average consumer price inflation) will require significant amendments.  [....]