The opposition coalition in Romania decided Wednesday ( February 1 ) to hold the country's first parliamentary strike, for an indefinite period. The Social Liberal Union’s parliamentary groups - senators and deputies of the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Social Democrat Party (PSD) and the Conservative Party (PC) adopted the measure following a majority of votes in favor of action.

As a result, they will not participate in meetings of the commissions, the plenary or permanent offices, but will keep their full positions and the right to vote.

“Our protest results from the attitude of the current power, which doesn’t wish to acknowledge the major character of the public discontent,” according to the Social Union Party (USL) leader Crin Antonescu.

According to Victor Ponta, co-president of the USL and head of the PSD, senators and deputies will donate wages received during their strike to associations or charities.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Romanian Parliament)