Controversy after the reduction of the doctorate allowance: university rectors dispute Bolojan's claims: “It was not brought up”
The rectors of the universities dispute the statements of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan after the adoption of the Emergency Ordinance that reduces the increase for the doctorate degree. “None of the rectors' proposals aimed at reducing the doctorate allowance, nor was such a measure brought into discussion”declared Liviu George Maha, rector of Al.I. University. Cuza from Iasi.
Ilie Bolojan PHOTO: inquam photos
The Ministry of Education and Research announced that the temporary reduction of the increase for the scientific title of doctor, adopted by Emergency Ordinance in the Government meeting of February 24, 2026, was proposed by the working group formed by representatives of the National Council of Rectors (CNR) and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.
According to the Ministry, the working group included rectors Nicolae Istudor, Mihnea Costoiu, Leonard Azamfirei, Sorin Cîmpeanu, Liviu Lucaci, Mihai Dimian, Ioan Abrudan, as well as representatives of the Government and unions: Marilen Pirtea, Sorin Costreie, Gigel Paraschiv, Mădălin Bunoiu and Anton Hadăr, writes edupedu.
The Ministry claims that, among the multiple hypotheses analyzed – including salary reductions by 10%, layoffs or the blocking of payments in projects with national or European funding – the temporary reduction of the doctoral increase by 450 lei gross (approximately 263 lei net) until the end of 2026 was considered the most appropriate measure in a context of austerity.
Rectors reject the idea that there were formal consultations
The Rector of the University Al.I. The Cuza from Iasi, Liviu George Maha, reacted harshly to the prime minister's statements.
“As one of the participants in the meeting of the Prime Minister with the representatives of the National Council of Rectors, I can strongly contradict this statement. None of the proposals of the rectors aimed at reducing the doctorate increase, nor was such an approach brought up as a concrete measure considered by the Government representatives”Maha declared for Edupedu.ro.
Liviu George Maha PHOTO: FB
He also asked for clarifications regarding possible individual consultations with other rectors, outside the institutional framework assumed by the CNR.
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that the reduction of the doctorate increase was a proposal that came after discussions with university representatives.
“As you know, all sectors of the administration participate in this effort and, based on the discussion with the representatives of the universities, we agreed that the measure to reduce the expenses in the area of the universities will be done starting from the autumn of this year, with the end of the academic year, in such a way that the university environment is not disrupted. And also based on this discussion came this proposal to halve the increase for doctorates”said the prime minister.
He argued that the Ph.D. boost “it is not a practice that we find in Western European countries” and that the salary in universities is determined by the teaching degree, which implies holding a doctorate.
The new increment value
According to the GEO adopted on February 24, 2026, the allowance for the scientific title of doctor will be 500 lei gross per month for the year 2026, granted only if the person carries out his activity in the field for which he holds the title and has objective and quantifiable duties in the job description.
Currently, the increase is capped at approximately 950 gross lei per month, which means a reduction of almost 50%. In net terms, 500 lei gross represents approximately 293 lei in hand.
