Parliament's weekly agenda

The legislative proposal on tougher penalties for drivers who get behind the wheel after taking drugs will go before senators after last week's postponement due to numerous amendments. Currently in the Penal Code, driving under the influence of psychoactive substances is punishable by one to five years in prison or a fine. Two simple motions are also on the legislative agenda, awaiting votes.

With details, Catalin Purcaru: "In the Senate, the debate and vote are scheduled for Monday on the simple motion against Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. The initiators of the motion claim that he has deprived the country of sufficient electricity production. Minister Burduja has said he will come to parliament and present concrete figures and projects signed and finalized during his mandate. He says he will continue projects in the field to ensure Romania's security and competitiveness.

MEPs debate on Wednesday the simple motion against Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu. AUR representatives are calling for his resignation and say that his actions have turned the Romanian police into a veritable political police institution, where citizens are no longer protected but intimidated and silenced. Minister Predoiu has given assurances that he will respond with arguments to all the accusations. The vote on the document is also scheduled for Wednesday.

Senators are also considering draft legislation on punishing drug drivers. The Legal Affairs Committee last week asked for an extended debate to submit amendments and finalize the report. One contentious issue is the introduction of toxicologically relevant limits, which would determine how much a driver can be considered under the influence of psychoactive substances. The law amending the Penal Code provides for imprisonment of two to seven years for drivers under the influence of psychoactive substances.

The Chamber of Deputies, the decision-making body, is expected to debate the bill on the extension of the price cap on electricity until June 30 and on natural gas until the end of March next year."

Translated by: Radu Matei