Romanian Senate Rejects Pensions Bill

The bill fell one vote short of a required majority in the chamber, despite having the ruling coalition’s support. A total of 67 senators voted in favor of the bill, while 22 abstained; 68 votes were required for the initiative to pass.

The law was initially adopted by the Romanian Government last October, and was later approved by the Parliament in December. However, it was partially declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court in March 2019, as judges considered the bill's definition of a pensions system contributor too vague.

Romanian Labor Minister Marius Budai gave assurances following Wednesday’s vote that the bill will be properly debated and approved in the Lower Chamber, while also accusing opposition parties of trying to obstruct the bill.

“They are impeding increased pensions for our parents and grandparents, and increased income in general. (…) I assure Romanians and pensioners that the Chamber will surely approve, debate this bill,” said the minister.

The bill includes a new calculation method for pensions, which the government says will ramp up the value of a pensions point from RON1,100 at the start of 2019 to RON1,875 in 2021.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.