BUCHAREST, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian government has announced a 9.5-percent increase in the gross monthly minimum wage to 4,050 Lei (884.64 U.S. dollars), effective from January.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu shared the decision, made by the National Tripartite Committee on Wednesday, via social media, noting that the government will also extend a tax exemption for up to 300 lei of the minimum wage.

The wage hike comes ahead of Romania's presidential and parliamentary elections, set for November and December.

The government has recently increased state pensions twice, adding pressure to public finances. Analysts expect possible tax hikes as Romania has yet to present its 2025 budget plan.

Dumitru Costin, president of the Romania's National Trade Union Bloc, welcomed the move as a positive step but cautioned that it falls short in addressing sector-specific concerns, particularly for postal workers.

Romania is working toward aligning with the European minimum wage directive, with the new wage representing 47 percent of the European Union's average wage. (1 Romanian leu = 0.22 U.S. dollar) Enditem

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