Romanian education trade unions are preparing to initiate a new general strike after announcing plans to begin collecting signatures from teachers on February 2, following growing discontent over austerity measures affecting the sector, Hotnews.ro reported. The Federation of Education Trade Unions “Spiru Haret” said it would open the formal referendum procedure required to trigger a general strike, similar to the action in 2023 that paralysed the education system nationwide. Since the resignation of education minister Daniel David took effect on January 14, prime minister Ilie Bolojan has also been serving as acting minister of education. Ahead of a possible general strike, for which signatures are expected to be gathered throughout February, discussions are underway regarding the organisation of a two-hour warning strike. Marius Nistor, president of the “Spiru Haret” Federation of Education Trade Unions, said recent policy changes were already having a visible impact on the system.