Roman Senate Votes To Limit State Asset Sales

The PSD project to prohibit the sale of state assets to strategic national interest companies until the end of next year received a favorable report in the Senate Economic Commission. The document must still receive a report from the budget commission next week before a vote in the Senate plenary. The measure follows reports of state-owned companies recording losses for five consecutive years, which could trigger listing procedures. Senator Daniel Zamfir stated that the government program contains no references to the sale of active state assets such as Checkbank, Port of Constanta, Romstar, Romgaz, Transgaz, or Hidroelectrica. A final vote is expected this Monday, after which the matter will proceed to the Chamber of Deputies via an emergency procedure. Zamfir also commented that the war in the Middle East could trigger the largest energy price increases in history. Strategic state company packages are being removed from certain entities, according to a report on Radio Romania Intl. The PSD party has submitted a bill to the Romanian Parliament to prohibit the sale of assets in profitable state-owned companies for two years. The Economic and Social Council warned that the measure could impact the economy, violate international commitments, and jeopardize Romania's access to European funds. The proposal follows PNR opposition to the privatization of minority stakes. The Romanian Senate has voted to prohibit the sale of state-held shares in national companies or credit institutions until December 31, 2027. The decision follows recent interbank activity where the leu closed the previous week at 7.