Boss, grab a coffee and sit down, because I've got news that'll make you realize just how slick some people are around here! Hundreds of pensioners in Gorj went to the County Pension House to demand the recovery of CASS, that is, the money the state cut from their pension as of August 1, 2025. And why?

Well, because word spread that the measure was challenged at the Constitutional Court, and some lawyers urged people to file requests. Vasilian Dafinescu, the director of the Gorj Pension House, said hundreds come in per day. Man, I get him: the guy's swamped with files, and the pensioners are looking out for their own interests.

Only that the Pension House representatives say there's no need for separate requests: if the CCR declares unconstitutionality, the restitution happens automatically, according to the law. Let's be serious, bro, why should we run around after papers when they can solve it in one go? Well, just like in Romania: they make us stand in lines and fill out forms as if there were no computer system.

000 lei from the pension. The legality was challenged at the CCR, and the Olt Tribunal notified the Court on February 17, 2026, postponing the ruling for March 3, 2026. Basically, the judges said: "Let's see what the Constitution says."

The CCR put the first case on the docket on May 25, 2025, but so far no date for debate has been set. 000 cases at the CCR on this topic, and none have been tried. 000 cases!

That is, they made a law on the fly, and now they're waiting to see if it's constitutional or not. Among the arguments: double taxation (pensioners already paid CAS during their active period), discrimination (Article 16 of the Constitution), abusive reduction of net income, and state interference in the right to dispose of income. Seriously, this is the height: you work your whole life, pay CAS, then in retirement you pay again.

And they say it's legal. To me, it doesn't seem right. Now, Newsweek recommends that pensioners not take any further steps either at the Pension House or in court, because the CCR decision will come sooner or later, and the restitution will be automatic.

That is, sit still and wait. Easy to say, but I know how it is: when you're waiting for money, it feels like an eternity. Mioara, my wife, keeps saying that "money doesn't come from the state, but from work."

But look, work isn't what it used to be either. Me, I'm going to Fane's terrace to have a beer and chat with the guys about what the state has done to our pensions. Who pays?

Us, bros, as always.