Romania's SAFE emergency ordinance rejected, PSD blames PNL

The emergency ordinance (Ordonanţa de Urgență nr. 38) governing Romania's SAFE programme failed to obtain the required majority in the Chamber of Deputies and was sent back to the committees, with a new vote expected in the autumn parliamentary session. The vote recorded 110 in favour, 16 against, 107 abstentions and 59 non‑participants.

PSD deputy Mihai Ghigu accused the National Liberal Party (PNL) of irresponsibility, saying the party voted against its own ordinance after the Senate stripped funding provisions for water and gas projects in Bihor County and incentives for the wine industry. Ghigu characterized the shift as a pattern of “indecision” by PNL. The ordinance remains in force, continuing to grant the benefits for the mentioned regions.

The dispute is linked to broader delays in passing a law needed to unlock a tranche of EU recovery funds (PNRR). PSD deputy Florin Manole also referenced the need for the pending legislation, noting political blockage around the future government formation.