Romania's Education Minister Announces Controversial Changes for Students
Romania's Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, has announced significant changes at the start of the school year, which has sparked outrage among students and parents alike. Among the most contentious measures is the proposal for students to attend school on Saturdays to recover lost hours. This decision is intended to address the need to make up for time missed during the 2025 Baccalaureate preparations. According to Ziarul National, students are set to begin their exams on June 10, 2025, with written tests planned for that period.
Parents and students have expressed their discontent with the news, citing that it would effectively eliminate their weekends, a critical time for rest and family commitments. Ligia Deca explained that other potential solutions to tackle issues of overcrowded schools might include altering school hours and possibly conducting classes in the afternoon or during weekend recovery sessions, especially as exam periods approach.
Additionally, Deca has mentioned that the structure of the academic year could also undergo changes, contributing to a growing concern about the overall educational experience for students in Romania. This announcement comes amidst an existing controversy surrounding new regulations that require parents to sign contracts for their children’s schooling. Those who refuse to comply may face hefty fines ranging from 200 to 1000 euros or could be sentenced to community service.
Furthermore, the new responsibilities placed upon parents include the obligation to replace or financially compensate for any damage caused by their children in school settings. This places an added financial burden on families, who may have to cover costs for damaged furniture, laboratory equipment, or classroom materials as these items are not insured by the school system.
The combination of Saturday classes, financial liabilities, and contractual obligations has raised questions about the future of education in Romania, with many advocating for a more balanced approach that considers both the needs of students and the realities of family life.
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