Gigi Becali proposes law to simplify religious building construction

Romanian Deputy Gigi Becali has submitted a legislative proposal to amend the Law on Territorial Planning, Urbanism, and Construction (Law no. 169/2026). The initiative seeks to establish a simplified notification procedure for the construction of small religious buildings.

The proposal targets new constructions dedicated exclusively to religious use with a total built area of no more than 130 square meters. Under this plan, such structures could be built in rural areas, both within and outside settlement limits, including within protected natural areas. The measure would allow construction on private or communal land through simple notification to the town hall, bypassing the need for environmental permits or impact studies.

This legislative move follows a dispute regarding a wooden church built by Becali's family near Techirghiol Lake, which was located in a Natura 2000 protected area and subsequently faced legal challenges and dismantling. Becali has framed the proposal as a means to ensure the “exercise of religious freedom” by reducing bureaucracy for small-scale religious sites.