Manole: Children's allowances could remain frozen in 2027 as well, alternative support is being considered

The Minister of Labour, Florin Manole, has stated that he does not rule out keeping child allowances at their current level in 2027, though he clarified that no decision has yet been made on the matter. The official maintains that financial support should be directed primarily towards children and families in difficult social circumstances.

Asked on Saturday evening on Antena 3 CNN whether allowances would rise or remain frozen for a third consecutive year, Manole said the matter had not yet been discussed with the Prime Minister or the Finance Minister.

Why he does not support an across-the-board increase

The Minister believes that a uniform increase of 20 or 30 RON would not have the same effect for all families. In his view, the state should identify mechanisms to provide more substantial support for children with special needs and vulnerable families.

"Romania's children are a diverse group with different needs. My child and tens of thousands of other families who are doing well in this country would not notice any difference if the allowance goes up by 20 or 30 RON. For others, such an increase would be far too little," explained Florin Manole.

The example of children with disabilities

The Minister of Labour cited the situation of children with disabilities, for whom the specific benefit was increased by 110 RON at the beginning of the year, rather than a general 20 RON rise in the child allowance.

Manole stressed that the child allowance and the benefit granted to children with disabilities are distinct entitlements, but argued that targeted assistance can have a greater impact on families in hardship.

The official indicated that he does not wish to make a premature pronouncement on a possible freeze or increase in allowances, given that no formal discussions have yet taken place at Government level.