Romania PM: Single-Chamber Parliament Will Save Millions Of Euros To State Budget Annually

Boc underscored that Romania must switch to a single-chamber Parliament and reduce the number of lawmakers to maximum 300 in order to render legislative procedures more efficient and save money to the state budget, as a lower number of lawmakers is bound to reduce costs.

Boc pointed out that one must respect the will of people who voted in the referendum held in November 2009 for a single-chamber Parliament and a lower number of MPs. Boc also rejected recent accusations alleging the draft law revising the Constitution includes additional prerogatives for the Romanian president and prime minister.

According to Boc, these allegations come from all those who are afraid they might lose their privileges as soon as the country's Parliament switches to a single chamber.

Boc also said the future single-chamber Parliament will be called the House of Representatives, as it best "reflects lawmakers' work", namely "to represent the people".

Asked whether the revised Constitution will come into force during President Traian Basescu's term, Boc said it all depends on lawmakers' votes.

Boc went on saying he would like the Parliament to finalize the revision of Constitution this year in order to call a referendum and validate the Constitution in 2011, and then to hold no more talks on its revision in 2012.

Romania's Government decided Wednesday to put forward a draft law for the revision of the Constitution, providing for a single-chamber Parliament and a maximum of 300 MPs, which was forwarded to the head of state.

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