Romania has a new law on the statute of MPs

The new law on the statute of MPs has come into force, after being signed into law by the president.

Roxana Vasile, 11.07.2013, 13:14

Promulgated last week by Romania’s President, Traian Basescu, the law on the modification of the Romanian MPs’ statute has come into force, after having been previously passed by both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies in compliance with the decision of the Constitutional Court. Before the law was passed, the Court had repeatedly singled out a number of non-conformities with the Constitution.

But let’s look at some of the modifications laid down in the new MP statute. Prosecutors no longer need to provide reasons for their requests to detain, hold in temporary arrest and search MPs.

Another major change is related to the limitation of flights and trips abroad. Expenses have also been cut, by halving the sums allocated for the accommodation of senators and deputies who do not reside in Bucharest. Wednesday was therefore the last night the Romanian MPs spent in hotels, which received almost 1,800 euros per month from the state budget for the services provided. From now on MPs will have to rent an apartment or negotiate hotel accommodation on their own or as a group, as the state will from now on only reimburse them for half the sum they have been receiving so far. So the costs of accommodation in Bucharest for an MP during the parliamentary session will stand at about 900 euros per month.

As for the expenses made during parliamentary holidays when many MPs claim they travel to their constituencies to solve local problems, only expenses incurred for a period of 8 days will from now on be reimbursed, as compared to 15 days previously.

Also, if MPs no longer use the cars provided by the state, they will receive around 225 euros for transport. This will save Parliament a lot of trouble related to car repair and maintenance and criticism over the purchase of hundreds of new cars for MPs, irrespective of their activity and position.

The new MP statute also includes modifications related to how the money earmarked for the running of MPs’ office is used and accounted for. MPs are now obliged to account for 50% of the lump sum received as compared to the previous 46%.