Voluntari set to become municipality following Senate approval

The Romanian Senate has approved a bill to grant the city of Voluntari, located in Ilfov County, the administrative status of a municipality. The bill passed with 91 votes in favor, 14 against, and 3 abstentions. Having already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the legislation will now be sent to the President for promulgation.

If enacted, Voluntari will become the first city in Ilfov County to hold this title. Proponents state the change will facilitate greater access to funding and budgetary resources for infrastructure, education, and local development. Data indicates the city meets the necessary criteria, with a population approaching 50,000 and high access to water, sewage, and healthcare services.

The debate in the Senate included opposition from some senators who cited a lack of public hospitals and argued that the change might only lead to higher taxes and administrative costs. Critics also noted that the original referendum supporting this status change took place in 2004, when the population was significantly smaller.