According to the draft, the procedure for debates on issues on the agenda will be determined by the Permanent Bureau depending on the complexity of the topics under consideration. In addition, the Permanent Bureau, together with the chairpersons of parliamentary factions and standing committees, will set the time of voting.
The document also regulates the length of speeches at plenary sessions. Thus, parliamentary factions will be given no more than 5 minutes for speeches, while MPs will be given up to 3 minutes. In the case of statements on issues not included in the agenda, factions will be able to speak for up to 7 minutes, and deputies – for up to 5 minutes.
The draft also provides for limiting the time of the question-and-answer session to 60 minutes, with the possibility of extension by decision of the majority of elected deputies.
Among the proposed innovations are measures against political “tourism”. Independent MPs who have left a parliamentary faction will not be able to join another faction. It is also not allowed to establish parliamentary factions by parties that failed to pass into parliament following the election results, as well as parties that are banned or recognized as unconstitutional.
Opposition speaks about limitation of freedoms
The discussion of the draft was accompanied by intense debates. During the review of the Code, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu cut off the microphone of Alexandru Vershnin, a member of the Demcorația Acasă faction.
The opposition considered this incident as a violation of the right to freedom of expression and organized a press briefing to criticize both the way the draft was promoted and its content.
As the PSRM notes, the new Code may limit the freedom of expression not only of deputies, but also of the citizens they represent.
According to the draft, the new Code on the Organization and Functioning of Parliament will enter into force on September 1, 2026, with the exception of certain provisions that will come into force after the official formation of the new parliamentary convocation.
Earlier, Our Party leader Renato Usatii said that through this draft, promoted by PAS, the parliamentary majority is trying to “gag the opposition” and turn the legislature into “Glory to the CPSU!”
